Human-Animal Bond: Attitudes towards animals

Pet owners typically exhibit one of three orientations toward pets: “dominionistic,” “humanistic,” or “protectionistic.”

The dominionistic have relatively low regard for their pets, valuing them primarily for the uses they provide, such as protection.

Those employing the humanistic orientation elevate their pets to the status of surrogate humans and value their pets primarily for the affective benefits they enjoy from their close attachments.

The protectionistic have high regard for both pets and animals more generally.

(Blouin 2013)

Their orientation may guide their attitude and treatment of their own pets, and animals and general.

For example, when dealing with end of life issues, someone with a doministic orientation will be more readily able to envisage replacing their pet, although they may find the death of their pet difficult.  A huministic owner may delay euthanasia of their pet as they find it so difficult.  A protectionistic owner will try to consider the needs and welfare of their pet over and above their own needs.

While a dominionistic orientation places one at a superior level (boss) to one's pet, the protectionistic orientation will see their pet as equal or even superior;  they are guardians, caretakers and companions to their pets.  The humanistic owner may see their pet as equal or themselves as superior; they are their pet's friends and parents.