Pet humanization

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Pet humanization is the practice in pet culture of treating companion animals with a level of care and attention, including luxury items. Pet humanization generally refers to treating pets like human family members. The trend extends throughout history, including Ancient Greece, in which graves are found with sincere epitaphs to dogs, similar to human graves. To the extent that the treatment involves providing for the pet beyond their means of appreciation, it is considered to be a form of anthropomorphism though the limits of this remain an open topic. For example, anthropomorphism is more common among dog owners versus other pet owners in Romania. The current methodology of measuring pet humanization has been criticized, as markers like owners speaking to their pets, or putting jewellery on them are either widespread or could have other explanations.

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