The non-human member of the family: Pets through the family life cycle

Abstract

The recognition of pets as family members opens a new dimension in the study of the family. The incorporation of an animal to the family is both an adaptation of the animal to existing rules and a restructuring of the old family system to allow this incorporation. In this process, the animal of company plays an active role. The functional demands that organize the way in which family members interact also include pets, which may play important roles in the family formation. These roles evolve to adapt to the changes and needs of the family as this proceeds through the life cycle. Although the roles played by animals of company may overlap those performed by the human members of the family, pets are also recognized to have specific and distinctive features, the consideration of which can enrich the work with families.