Original scientific paper

The role of pets in students’ lives

Sanja Stanić orcid.org/0000-0003-0569-4841 ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split
Stanka Vukasović-Lončar ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split

Abstract

The human-animal relationship is ambivalent in modern society. The boundary between humans and animals is not clear or has been removed in regard to pets. The increase in the number of pets in households defines the 21st century as the century of pets. Pets have different functions in the life of a modern human. This paper presents the results of research on the role of pets in the lives of students as a social group with a specific social status and lifestyle. The objectives were to examine how many students own pets, how they perceive pets, and what meaning they attach to pets. The research was conducted using a survey method among students at the University of Split (N = 200) in 2023. Research findings have shown that half of students own pets, mostly dogs and cats. Possession and perception of pets define students as a pet-friendly population. They recognize the benefits arising from the owner’s relationship with the animal and the social meanings of pets as social support and social lubricant. The conclusion summarizes the obtained results and indicates the limitations of this research as well as motives for future research.

Keywords

social interactions; resear; human-animal relationship, health

Hrčak ID:

320473

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/320473

Publication date:

1.6.2024.

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