Exploring emotional attachment to non-traditional pets using the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS)

Abstract

The growing popularity of non-traditional pets, including reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and arachnids, raises important questions about owner attachment and animal welfare. We assessed emotional attachment among US non-traditional pet owners using the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS). An online survey of 1,218 adult pet owners was conducted between 2018 and 2021 through both targeted recruitment (rescue groups, permit holders, herpetological societies) and general population sampling. The LAPS demonstrated excellent internal consistency when applied to non-traditional pets, supporting its cross-taxon validity. Owners of multiple taxa of pets reported significantly higher attachment scores than owners of a single taxon. Linear regression models revealed higher attachment among female respondents and those who personally chose to acquire their pets. Conversely, attachment was lower among older respondents, those with higher incomes, and single-taxon owners who exclusively owned non-traditional pets. Our results underscore the importance of considering owner demographics and motivations for acquiring pets when designing pet welfare interventions and targeted education for non-traditional pet owners.