Owning a pet is an occupational role adopted by many, with 53% of UK adults who own a pet (PDSA, 2023). Whilst dogs and cats are the most popular pets, there are also many other types of pets too.
Pet ownership has been said to provide meaning and purpose (Hayden-Evans et al, 2018) and an occupational lens has been used to explore the occupation of pet keeping in various forms (Langfield & James, 2009; Allen et al, 2000).
This #OTalk is an opportunity to explore the occupation of pet keeping in both our personal and professional lives.
The questions:
- Have you ever, or do you have now, a pet? If so, tell us about it. And yes, this is totally an opportunity to share pictures of your pet(s) with us if you want to. If you don’t have a pet have you ever wanted one? Why or why not?
- What do you feel you/others gain from owning a pet? Are there any challenges too?
- Have you ever supported someone you work with, in their occupation of pet ownership? If so, tell us about it. If not, why do you think this has not happened?
- Animal assisted therapy is becoming increasingly popular- have you ever included pets or other animals in your practice? If so, tell us about it. If not, why do you think this has not happened and/or would it be something you would like to do in the future?
References:
Allen JM, Kellegrew DH, Jaffee D (2000) The experience of pet ownership as a meaningful occupation. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67(4), 271–78.
Langfield J, James C. Fishy Tales: Experiences of the Occupation of Keeping Fish as Pets. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2009;72(8):349-356. doi:10.1177/030802260907200805
Maya Hayden-Evans, Ben Milbourn & Julie Netto (2018) ‘Pets provide meaning and purpose’: a qualitative study of pet ownership from the perspectives of people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, Advances in Mental Health, 16:2, 152-162, DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2018.1485508
PDSA (2023) Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/media/13976/pdsa-paw-report-2023.pdf
OTalk 