Why are people so obsessed over pets in the US? I am not an american and find it weird sometimes to develop those feelings with animals. I never plan to own a pet but want to know the reason why people get one. No hard feelings but just curious to know the rationale behind the same. I also came across many people who just get pets because their friend/relative advised that it might be a good idea…Please don’t get negative in the comments - I am anyways not going to engage with negative comments.

There are so many different reasons people make pets a part of their lives. Motivations might vary, but what remains consistent is an appreciation and respect for the animal world and all of the beauty it offers to us as humans. There is an abundance of science and data available illustrating the many benefits and positive impact of pet ownership. Companionship, responsibility, commitment, compassion, safety and protection, social skills and opportunity, medical necessity, health and wellness improvement, the list goes on and on.

What kind of feelings do you identify as “weird?” Are these weird just in relation to animals, or generally speaking?

It’s not an American thing. Pets have been a part of human lives for millennia. Also some pets are also working dogs but still a companion. I have a puppy and she brightens up the day even when you have to deal with putting her out in pouring rain.

Humans have had pets for tens of thousands of years. It's not an American thing. People benefit from animal companionship.

Also have struggled with understanding this. I’ve rationalized it as people lacking purpose or personality, so they seek out a companion that will be loyal to them and not talk back. Work culture in the US tends to blend your personal and professional identity, which can be isolating. A dog or other pet fills that void.

Spend one week in close companionship with a dog and you’ll get it.

I’m Asian American and I don’t get it either. I understand loving your dog, but some people seriously go overboard. Especially when pet owners expect you to love their dog as much as they do.

Have a difficult day at work or with your SO and then come home to your dog. then you’ll understand

I think part of the reason is due to people having kids later and getting a dog or cat fills that void

This is the most asinine post I’ve read in a long time.

I am American, 1st Gen —, and I don’t get it either

Some people like pets, some people don't like pets. More at 9.

Are you Indian

It’s not uncommon to have pets in the other parts of the world but I think obsession over pets is more common in some of the western countries. It could also be due marketing tactics of pet supplies manufacturers. Also, I think cuteness factor is person dependent. You’ll find millions of people who don’t really think that pets are cute.

I find it amusing that people will defend pets (especially dogs) no matter what they do. There are people who’ll blame attacks of dogs on their owners for being a bad owner & instantly declare dogs as innocent (even if their owners raised them perfectly right) and will hold onto belief that dogs will never do anything wrong.

I never understood the obsession either. My theory is that they are trying to compensate for not having children. When I took my kids outside when they were small I was surprisingly the minority pushing a human baby in a stroller rather than a dog. Seriously WTF people.

Some thousand years ago man met dog and dog met man. Man realized dog could lead them to food, dog realized man was a superior hunter and if they led man to food man would reward them with some of what was caught. This relationship was maintained even after we stopped hunting for food.

There is ample research that shows that pets provide a lot of benefit to humans. There are therapy dogs for a reason, programs that use horses to help those with mental disabilities, cat purring can help lower stress.

Couple this with the idea of them being cute, which is an evolutionary benefit, it just works out (I recommend the Stuff You Should Know called The Science Of Cute).

Also, dogs don’t judge- unless you have a heeler like i do in which case she’s totally judging me but that’s just the breed.

I completely agree. I think Americans take it too far with their adoration of pets. I am American and don’t like pets but see where you are coming from. In fact, someone at my law firm, mentioning bringing their pet to the office due lawyers returning to the office. Glad that person didn’t because I would have filed a complaint.

I get some people love their pets, but in the US, it got to the point of selfishness. People will bring their pets to restaurants, bars, and get phony cards and bring them on airplanes too. Not everyone loves your pet.

I'm not American, and I come from a culture that appreciates animals.

I think it pretty much has to do with where you come from and how you interpret empathy

This post is …. Nevermind.