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🗿intro to anthropology review

Pet-Keeping

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Pet-keeping refers to the practice of domesticating and caring for animals in a household setting. It involves the selective breeding, housing, feeding, and companionship of various species, primarily for the purpose of providing emotional and recreational benefits to human caretakers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Pet-keeping has a long history, with evidence of domesticated animals being kept as companions dating back thousands of years.
  2. The most commonly kept pets include dogs, cats, birds, fish, and small mammals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
  3. Pet-keeping can provide numerous benefits to human well-being, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased social interaction.
  4. The domestication of animals for pet-keeping has led to the development of specialized breeds with distinct physical and behavioral characteristics.
  5. Responsible pet-keeping requires providing proper nutrition, shelter, healthcare, and enrichment to ensure the well-being of the animal.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of domestication in the practice of pet-keeping.
    • Domestication is a crucial aspect of pet-keeping, as it involves the genetic and behavioral adaptation of wild animals to live in close proximity with humans and serve their interests. Through selective breeding, domesticated animals have developed traits that make them more suitable as companions, such as increased docility, reduced aggression, and a stronger attachment to humans. The process of domestication has been essential in transforming wild species into the diverse array of pets that are commonly kept in households today.
  • Describe the potential benefits and risks associated with pet-keeping.
    • Pet-keeping can provide numerous benefits to human well-being, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased social interaction. However, it also carries certain risks, such as the potential for zoonotic diseases, which are infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Additionally, the anthropomorphization of pets, or the attribution of human traits and emotions to non-human animals, can lead to the mistreatment or neglect of pets if their unique needs and behaviors are not properly understood and addressed.
  • Analyze the role of specialized pet breeds in the context of pet-keeping.
    • The domestication of animals for pet-keeping has led to the development of specialized breeds with distinct physical and behavioral characteristics. These breeds are often the result of selective breeding, which aims to accentuate certain desirable traits, such as appearance, temperament, or suitability as a companion animal. While specialized breeds can provide unique companionship and aesthetic appeal, they may also be prone to health issues or behavioral problems if not properly cared for. The proliferation of specialized pet breeds raises ethical questions about the potential for exploitation and the need to prioritize animal welfare in the pet-keeping industry.