Pets have become an integral part of people’s lives, with some having stronger bonds with their pets than with their siblings and other family members. Some feel more empathy toward animals than toward humans.
According to a survey, for nearly 90 per cent of Canadians, pets are considered not only family members, but also an essential source of emotional support.
As researchers interested in the psychology of human-animal relationships, we believe that given these findings, it is imperative to understand how the relationship with pets shapes people’s routines, their self-perceptions, emotional states and ability to cope.
Asking pet-related questions can be particularly relevant for mental health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of clients’ family dynamics. Exploring the role of pets in a client’s life can offer valuable insights into factors shaping their well-being.
Client-centred approach: What if pets are part of the story?
Using a client-centred approach, mental health professionals should understand and validate clients’ perspectives. The goal is to work with clients to understand what shapes their experiences, worldview, strengths and support systems.
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More specifically, during intake sessions and assessments, the focus should be on being attuned to the client’s needs. Professionals who overlook the central role pets play in people’s lives risk missing an opportunity to understand an important aspect of their clients’ experience. Shifting this perspective can lead to deeper insight into clients’ emotional states and behaviours, ultimately leading to more tailored and effective treatment.
The benefits of such holistic framework can be invaluable. Researchers have found pet-related questions can not only reduce anxiety, but also improve communication and rapport. These questions also allow professionals to access clinically relevant information that can guide their therapeutic approach.
Unlocking deeper insights in therapy
There are several specific ways that pet-related questions can influence the direction of therapeutic interventions.
1) Help clients feel more comfortable:
Asking pet-related questions can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. This, in turn, strengthens the therapeutic alliance and creates an inviting atmosphere. For example, many couples treat their pets as children. Among younger generations, there is often a preference for pets over children.
For these clients, neglecting this important aspect of their lives may negatively impact the therapeutic relationship. By asking pet-related questions, professionals can help clients to feel valued and seen. This inclusive approach acknowledges an essential part of their social system and open space for them to talk about how their pets shape their identity.
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2) Create trust:
In general, building rapport with clients can create a foundation of trust. This makes it easier for them to share difficult and personal information. Discussing the dynamic between a client and their pet can help them feel more comfortable addressing sensitive topics. Nearly 90 per cent of women experiencing domestic violence report mistreatment of their pets.
Children who are victims of domestic violence often share stories of their pets being mistreated. These clients usually feel more comfortable addressing violence against their pets before they address violence against themselves.
3) Offer insights on the client’s strengths and resources:
Pets can provide support in several ways. For some people, spending time with their pets during moments of stress can alleviate feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
For others, the presence of a pet facilitates engaging in social and physical activities. Also, the bond with the pet can increase feelings of belonging and reduce self-harm behaviours. By understanding the role pets play in the client’s life, clinicians gain insight into their coping strategies and available resources. This helps inform more tailored clinical interventions.
4) Offer insight into a client’s broader challenges:
Pets can have a positive impact on emotional attachment. However, strong attachment to pets may sometimes be associated with increased psychological stress and trust issues. Others may experience worry and guilt when their health issues affect their ability to provide care for their pets, which can worsen their psychological distress.
Additionally, the ways clients approach and resolve issues related to their pets can provide insight into their problem-solving abilities. Exploring these areas with clients can highlight target areas for therapy.
5) Help to identify sources of stress:
The relationship with pets is complex, and can fluctuate. Pets with behavioural or health issues may create significant social barriers, reducing social interactions and heightening negative emotions in owners. Also, the inability to afford veterinary care can undermine a person’s well-being. These situations can be associated with anxiety and caregiver burden. Therefore, the dynamics they share with their pets can directly influence the issues presented in therapy.
In such scenarios, not asking about clients’ relationship with their pets may cause professionals to overlook crucial aspects of clients’ overall well-being. This can result in missing important insights into clients’ strengths and challenges.
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The missing piece
Pet-related questions are not just a trivial detail. The structure of families has evolved. As we work toward more holistic and empathetic therapeutic approaches, exploring the presence of pets in people’s lives is a critical step to fostering an environment of acceptance, openness and trust.
By exploring this bond, mental health professionals can strengthen therapeutic alliances. They would also learn about essential aspects of a client’s emotional life, their strengths and challenges.
Simple questions like: “do you have a pet at home?” and “how would you describe the role of your pet in your life?” can help strengthen connections with clients. These questions create opportunities for deeper engagement. They also promote a practice that is client-centred, inclusive and aligned with the evolving configurations of families.
The post “Why mental health professionals should ask questions about pets” by Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Saskatchewan was published on 03/03/2025 by theconversation.com