COMPANION ANIMALS AND CULTURAL PERCEPTIONS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ITALY AND THAILAND

Abstract

In recent years, pets or companion animals in households have become increasingly common. Many people view animals as best friends, pseudo-siblings, or even pseudo-children. The emotional bond between humans and their pets is evident from tabby cats playing with children in gardens to dogs assisting individuals with vision impairments.Despite the growing significance of these relationships, there is a notable gap in the international literature regarding how cultural and religious frameworks shape human-pet interactions, mainly through cross-national comparisons. This paper examines the distinct ways Italy and Thailand engage with companion animals. In Italy, there is a strong societal commitment to humanely treating pets, viewing them as cherished family members. On the other hand, in Thailand, the trend of pet parenting, where pets are regarded as family members, has been gaining increasing popularity, particularly among younger generations who choose to raise pets instead of having children. Additionally, the practice of holding Buddhist funeral ceremonies for pets, conducted with great attention to detail and rituals resembling those of human funerals, reflects the belief that pets should be treated with compassion and allowed a better rebirth in the next life. This phenomenon not only signifies shifts in societal values and cultural transformations but also underscores the influence of Buddhist teachings within Thai culture. Although Italy and Thailand are vastly different, they both demonstrate care, incorporating companion animals into everyday places, spaces, and times.