Factors Influencing Pet Attachment: Exploring Attachment Dimensions and Demographic Factors

Abstract

This study examined the factors influencing pet attachment by investigating attachment dimensions and exploring the relationship between demographic factors and pet attachment. The study utilized the Pet Attachment Questionnaire (PAQ) to assess the level of attachment between pet owners and their animals. A demographic questionnaire was also administered to gather socio-cultural, economic, and health-related data from pet caretakers. A confirmatory factor analysis was applied to confirm the scale factor structure. Hypothesis testing procedures were used to reveal the relationship between the demographic characteristics of the participants and the attachment relationships. The study involved 304 volunteers who visited the animal hospital at Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The findings revealed significant impacts of various factors on attachment dimensions, including age, household income, participant and household member anxieties and traumas, number of pets owned, pet health, and previous pet ownership. These results contributed to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape the attachment between humans and animals. Further research is needed to delve into the underlying mechanisms and potential interactions among these factors, advancing our knowledge of human-pet attachment.