A Worldly View on Pets

Paulie at 7 months of age.

Many times most of us don’t think about the reactions to our beloved furry, scaly, or feathered companions throughout various parts of the world. While many would readily accept our companions without hesitation others may be somewhat reserved.Throughout many countries all over the world there are vary different views on owning pets. While every individual has their own perspective on animals as pets there are social norms for each country. These norms define the ideals of people who live there and how they view pets in their society. What might seem inhumane and upsetting to one, may be every day regular life for another. This isn’t to say that commonalities don’t exist. It does how infer that when going to another place far from home, these views should be taken into consideration.

Europe’s views on pets are similar to those in the United States. Pets are revered as members of the family. Some pets like dogs and cats are kept for the purposes of work. Dogs can be used for protection or some breeds are herders. Herders are dogs that push animals like cattle or sheep in a desired direction for farmers. Cats are utilized for their supreme ability to catch rodents. Birds like parrots are kept as pets in both the United States and Europe. Although the similarities exist between the US and Europe, reptiles like snakes ands and lizards aren’t kept as pets in Europe as often as they are in the US. More people in Europe keep Hamsters and gerbils as pets more so than reptiles.

Throughout Africa, most people don’t keep pets. The animals that are found throughout the homes serve a purpose. The cattle are raised for their beef and the horses are used for transport. It is likely that the choice of pet would be a dog or cat because cats rid the area of rodents and dogs offer protection. While the pet trade places high demand on animals native to Africa, few of these are actually kept by locales. Pets are more of a source of income than a companion per say.
Many Muslims view dogs as unclean. Right after a dog is touched a ritual hand washing is followed. While dogs are seen as dirty, Muslims respect all animals and it is frowned upon to hurt them in any way. Cats are looked at as wonderful companions. Muhammad kept a cat named Muezza, that he’d not disturb if it was sleeping on his cloak.

In India many people keep pets. Cows are considered sacred and highly respected. Many animals serve a purpose in India as well. Snake charming is a profession found in many areas of India because of tourism. It is a trade that is passed down from generation to generation. Types of pets found in India are dogs, monkey’s, birds and reptiles.

The most popular pets in China are dogs. While some Chinese eat dog meat, they are increasing in popularity as pets. Some Chinese see cats as good luck. Cats have been kept as pets in China for a long time. They were used to capture mice. Birds are often taken for walks in the cage by older Chinese. The older folks will carry the caged bird to a park and carry out daily exercises with the bird in the cage hanging in a tree nearby. Another common pet in Chinese culture fish. It is believed that fish bring “plenty”. The sound of the word fish is similar to the sound of the Chinese word for “plenty”. Having a fish as a pet is a wish to have plenty or a sufficient amount.

 While many cultures have similar views on pets, there are differences. Those differences should be respected. Looking at the world from a culturally considerate perspective will help harmonize the world instead of divide it. If your traveling this is one issue that may be taken into account. We can't expect others to share the same views as us. We all come from many different cultures and backgrounds. The cultures and backgrounds help define who we are. Mutual respect and an open mind is essential to obtaining a better grasp of the world in which we all live.