The Humanization of Pets

The humanization of pets is the growing trend of treating dogs, cats, and other companion animals as if they were people or children. As expert Angélica González Barrera summarizes, "to humanize is to assign them behaviors that are basically human behaviors. That is, to treat them like babies, like children..." (1). In psychology, this bias is known as anthropomorphism: the human tendency to perceive human characteristics or mental states in animals (2). Humanization is the most evident manifestation of this anthropomorphism in the pet world.

Emotional, Psychological, and Social Factors

Several factors explain why more and more people are adopting this approach:

• Loneliness and mental health: Owners often seek companionship and comfort in their pets. Studies indicate that interaction with animals reduces stress (lowers cortisol and blood pressure) and lessens loneliness (3). Recent surveys show that 85% of people believe pets help reduce loneliness, and 80% of owners report feeling less lonely thanks to their animal (4). During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many people reported that their pets served as emotional support against isolation (5).

• Demographic changes: In countries like Spain and the US, there are now more households with dogs than with young children (6, 7). Surveys from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reveal that 58% of millennials prefer to have a dog instead of a child (7), and younger generations state they love their pets as much as, or more than, some family members (8). This reflects trends such as a declining birth rate, economic crises (e.g., the high cost of raising a child), and the search for a flexible lifestyle. Bericat (2025) interprets these changes with two sociological hypotheses: one related to "deficient sociability" in modern adult life, and another concerning lifestyle, such as "the longing to connect with the natural world" (9). In short, many see in their pets a multispecies family that provides immediate affection.

• Urbanization and lifestyles: Life in dense cities and smaller homes has increased the importance of companion animals. With the modern pace of life (less free time, smaller family units, childless couples, or single young professionals), pets take on the affectionate role that was once filled by children or other support networks. Furthermore, technology and social media fuel this phenomenon: petfluencers and pet accounts with millions of followers (like the dog Jiffpom with about 10 million on Instagram) normalize dressing and pampering them as if they were children (6, 8). In Spain, for example, there are now more registered dogs than children under 14 (6), which reflects a profound cultural shift in the concept of family.

Everyday Examples of the Phenomenon

The humanization of pets is reflected in daily life in many ways:

• Special celebrations: It is common to throw birthday parties or "baptisms" for dogs and cats. Some owners even have family photo shoots where the pet participates as a child. Others share their puppy's first meals on social media or put festive costumes on them for Christmas.

• "Pet-friendly" dining and entertainment: There are plenty of restaurants and cafes with special areas for pets and dedicated menus (treats or homemade dishes). There are even cinemas and theaters adapted for dogs (with special seats and a neutral odor) (10). Some shopping malls and beaches have set up recreational areas for pets.

• Premium medical care and services: Veterinary medicine today offers services at a human level: health insurance for pets, consultations with canine psychologists, physical therapy, acupuncture sessions, or massages. The global spending on pet health and nutrition has grown enormously: in Spain alone, in 2021, it surpassed spending in the pig farming sector (11), and the veterinary industry grew by about 10% that year (11). There are also doggie daycare centers, luxury pet hotels, canine taxis, and custom funerals.

• Designer fashion and accessories: The "pet couture" trend has exploded. Specialized stores sell exclusive designer clothes, rain boots, hats, and collars for dogs and cats (10). Dog groomers offer VIP treatments (masks, conditioners, essential oil SPAs). On social media, ergonomic accessories like strollers or custom furniture for pets are promoted.

• Personalized feeding: Many people choose gourmet or natural diets for their pets (organic food, cooked meals, or functional snacks). The pet food industry promotes premium products and recipes adapted to the animal's age, breed, or needs. According to ANFAAC, humanization has fueled the rise of "indulgence products" (treats and special meals): owners seek in food "an emotional stimulus... as a bridge to build bonds" with their animals (12). Services like cat catering, pet nutritionists, and mobile apps to create custom diets are appearing.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits for Humans

Caring for a pet provides several proven benefits for people:

• Stress reduction: The mere presence of an animal reduces anxiety. Medical studies show that stroking a dog or cat increases oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) (3). This effect is associated with lower blood pressure and a sense of calm.

• Relief from loneliness and social support: For many people, the animal becomes an unconditional companion that provides affection without judgment. The NIH highlights that animals can "reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood" (3). Recent surveys confirm that a large portion of owners feel strong emotional relief thanks to their pet: a HABRI/Mars Institute study found that 80% of owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely (4), and 85% recognize that encounters with animals help mitigate social isolation (4).

• Improved mood and mental health: In general, the presence of a pet at home encourages routines (walks, daily care) and provides an affectionate purpose. Numerous reports indicate that living with an animal combats symptoms of depression and provides emotional stability (5). For example, during the COVID-19 lockdown, many acknowledged that their pets were important support for coping with the quarantine (5). In summary, animal affection strengthens psychological well-being and offers owners a daily reason for joy and companionship.

Risks of Excessive Anthropomorphism

However, experts warn that overdoing humanization has its dangers:

• Misinterpreted anthropomorphism: Attributing human thoughts or desires to a pet can lead to errors in judgment. As psychology defines it, anthropomorphism is "the tendency to perceive human characteristics or mental states in animals" (2). If we assume the dog thinks like we do, we might overfeed it, dress it excessively, or punish it for something that is an animal instinct. For example, a dog does not enjoy clothes or fragrances the same way a person does: trainer Conrado Clavijo points out that dressing the animal or perfuming it can "cloud visual and olfactory communication" between dogs, hindering their socialization (13). Excessive pampering (e.g., constantly carrying them or preventing them from sniffing freely) often leads to anxiety or aggression when they face the outside world (14).

• Unhealthy emotional dependency: Some owners unconsciously replace problematic human bonds with pets. Psychologist Nancy Caballero warns that this dynamic generates "unhealthy dependency relationships" (15). This happens when the pet starts to fill a role very similar to that of a child or partner. However, this attachment does not replace human relationships: having only a pet can isolate the person further. In fact, it is observed that those who focus too much on their animal sometimes neglect their friendships or family ties (16). As an interviewed ethologist recalls, human happiness depends largely on the quality of their relationships with other human beings (16), not just on animal affection.

• Neglected instinctive needs: By treating a pet as a "little human," we can ignore its biological nature. Caballero emphasizes that pets "maintain instinctive capacities that humans do not possess": for example, many dog breeds require large spaces and constant exercise, and confining them to a small apartment can harm their well-being (17). Veterinarian Leonardo Fradín agrees that "hyper-attachment" can cause behavioral disorders in the animal: separation anxiety, digestive issues, or other physical problems (18). Furthermore, exaggerated accessories (tight clothing, inappropriate hairbrushes, etc.) can alter their natural thermoregulation and cause them discomfort (19). Ultimately, by overprotecting or humanizing them excessively, we run the risk of harming their health and their real quality of life, by ignoring the needs of their own species.

• Confusion of roles and boundaries: Finally, the idea of a pet having human status can create misunderstandings in the home. As doctor Gallego Rodríguez points out, "a pet should never be treated as a human. The fact that they become members of our family does not give us the right to humanize them" (20). Talking about a pet as a child creates unrealistic expectations. This extreme approach can strain coexistence (for example, the dog might try to "dominate" spaces if it believes it is equal to the owner) and often requires disproportionate care.

Final Reflection: Balance Between Love and Well-being

In summary, love and closeness with our pets are positive and enriching, but they must be complemented with responsibility. As experts warn, "while some humanization in a dog is essential, too much is not good" (21). It's about finding a balance: providing affection, play, and attention as we would with a valuable family member, but without losing sight of their animal nature. We must respect their instincts: provide exercise, socialization with other animals, proper nutrition, and safe environments. In the words of experts, pets "require an environment that satisfies their instinctive needs" (17, 19).

Only then will our relationship be harmonious, without overprotecting them or forgetting that every dog or cat is, above all, a being with its own species rules. The result is a healthy bond in which animals and humans benefit mutually: we give love and companionship to the animal, and in return, we gain that unconditional affection that contributes so much to our emotional well-being.

Sources: Recent studies and reports in psychology and sociology (Bericat 2025, Caballero 2025, ANFAAC/AEDPAC reports, among others) (2, 9, 15, 17, 21), as well as specialized journalistic articles (1, 3, 4, 7, 10). Each cited fact comes from these updated sources (2020-2025).

(1, 13, 14, 20) Humanización de mascotas: ¿Está mal tratar al perro como un hijo?

https://www.eltiempo.com/vida/mascotas/humanizacion-de-mascotas-esta-mal-tratar-al-perro-como-un-hijo-694712

(2) The Complexity of the Human–Animal Bond: Empathy, Attachment and Anthropomorphism in Human–Animal Relationships and Animal Hoarding

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/20/2835

(3) El poder de las mascotas | Los Institutos Nacionales de Salud

https://salud.nih.gov/recursos-de-salud/nih-noticias-de-salud/el-poder-de-las-mascotas

(4) How pets help ease loneliness and social isolation | Mental Health America

https://mhanational.org/es/resources/how-pets-help-ease-loneliness-and-social-isolation/

(5) Los beneficios sociales y emocionales de tener una mascota

https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com/espanol/blog/2023/02/02/los-beneficios-sociales-y-emocionales-de-tener-una-mascota/

(6, 10, 11, 21) Perros humanizados: una conducta que perjudica a dueños y mascotas | UOC

https://www.uoc.edu/es/news/2022/187-perros-humanizados

(7, 8, 16) ‘Perrhijo’: cuando el perro es algo más

https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20220807/8453863/perrhijo-perro-mas.html

(9) Personas y Perros. La relación humano-perro en la sociedad contemporánea: imágenes, emociones y experiencias | Revista Española de Sociología

https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/res/article/view/107776

(12) Informe IPMARK – Mascotas 2025

https://ipmark.com/informes/mascotas-2025/

(15, 17, 18, 19) La humanización de las mascotas podría no ser lo mejor para las personas, según especialistas

https://www.ambito.com/lifestyle/la-humanizacion-las-mascotas-podria-no-ser-lo-mejor-segun-especialistas-n6166946