Great expectations: changing social, spatial and emotional understandings of the companion animal–human relationship. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fox, Rebekah; Gee, Nancy R.
• Is Part Of: Social & cultural geography. Volume 20:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Companion animals -- animal–human relationship -- responsible companionship -- humanisation -- spatial control -- social expectations; animaux de compagnie -- relation animal-humain -- rapports responsables -- humanisation -- contrôle spatial -- attentes sociales; Animales domésticos -- Relación animal-humano -- Compañía responsable -- Humanización -- Control espacial -- Expectativas sociales; Human geography -- Periodicals; 304.205
• DOI: 10.1080/14649365.2017.1347954
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1464-9365

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines the changing social, legal, spatial and emotional understandings of the companion animal–human relationship in Britain during the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, based upon in-depth interviews with pet owners and professionals involved in the pet industry. This period has seen rapid change in attitudes and practices towards companion animals, bringing benefits for both animal health and welfare, but also increasing social, emotional and financial expectations. Animals have become increasingly integrated into the human home and family, whilst simultaneously subject to increasing control of their behaviour and movements in public space. Such changes have brought a culture of 'responsible' pet ownership in which both animals and humans are subject to constant surveillance of their own and others pet-keeping practices. Such expectations are constantly changing and contested, with notions of human identity and status increasingly defined through human–animal relationships. These processes are ongoing and new forms of responsibility are continually evolving, providing new means for caretakers to express their love and care for their animal companions.