What Constitutes a Suitable Pet?
How do we define pet animals, and which species make ideal companions? Attempts have been made to pinpoint when and where the term ‘pet’ first originated as an umbrella term to refer to any animals kept captive as companions as opposed to being kept for food or work purposes, though various definitions exist of what this concept entails such as:
Domesticated animals (domesticated or domestic) refers to any animal that is kept for companionship or protection rather than performance, agricultural value or research; domestic pets should be seen as companions and treated as such rather than being kept solely as work animals or research tools;
Animal lovers define a companion animal as any species which enjoys being stroked and can show affection. Such classifications quickly raise issues as in order to be classified as suitable species the animal must meet all these criteria and more – sparking debate between pet traders on one hand, animal rights advocates at the other extreme, professional bodies and experts in between.
Macaws in captivity.
Doing away with intelligent free-flying birds as pets could prove disastrous. Every animal on earth could potentially be kept as pets, yet that does not guarantee they will thrive and live through this experience. Pet shops would have us believe that any species can be made suitable by domesticating or captive breeding them, so they cynically introduce new ones onto the market aided by internet pet sites, social media and pet care books – without giving much thought to animal welfare or ethics when keeping these creatures. Meanwhile professional bodies and welfare organisations view many as unsuitable for human companionship, suggesting we focus more on this aspect.
“There simply does not exist any imaginary pet that would make an ideal companion.”
“To choose or not?” Incorporating the term’suitable” when discussing pets can be misleading as its definition indicates it cannot exist as the term means being “appropriate for an individual, purpose, or situation”. No species or individual animal could possibly meet everyone’s wishes for being an ideal pet match while simultaneously fulfilling every prospective parent’s situation and needs; to find such a companion you would need a custom made creature with exactly matching features that fits each environment perfectly – something impossible with modern commercial breeding programs!
Pet markets now provide an incredible variety and scope of species to keep as pets. Gone are the days of keeping just dogs, cats, rabbits or small rodents; now people want reptiles and other so-called exotic and unusual animals as pets; encouraged primarily through retail trade outlets, internet websites and media coverage.
“Ultimately, only domesticated dogs and cats possess all of the attributes and gifts required to make suitable pets” Face, eyes. Are cats and dogs the only species who meet all criteria as appropriate pets?
Many pets are considered companion animals, because a companion serves as someone to share our lives or confide in, which is all most of us need from a pet. Unfortunately there will always be those willing to test the boundaries, often resulting in suffering for both parties involved.
Realistically, only domesticated dogs and cats possess the emotional, nature and devotional traits required to provide companionship, while proper care of these creatures allows them to reap similar rewards themselves – unlike reptiles or fish which do not reap similar benefits from such relationships. Therefore, one could argue that keeping pet keeping as a hobby should be restricted solely to these species but this unlikely to occur in practice.
Any vote restricting pet ownership to dogs and cats would definitely receive my vote.