The importance of pet loss and some implications for services

Christine Morley; J Fook

doi:10.1080/13576270412331329849

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The importance of pet loss and some implications for services

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The importance of pet loss and some implications for services

Christine Morley and J Fook

Mortality, Vol.10(2), pp.127-143

2005

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13576270412331329849

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Abstract

Public Health and Health Services

pet loss

companion animals

Understanding the meaning of companion animals and their loss in peoples' lives has major implications for the way professional services are organized and delivered. There is much research and literature which argues for the major social, emotional and physical benefits of animal companionship, and the widespread nature of pet ownership. Yet ironically, much of the professional service literature has tended to marginalize or pathologize the human-animal bond, often dichotomizing it against human relationships and assuming its inferiority. We argue that this reflects a tendency to individualize what should be a major social concern. Therefore service design and delivery needs to reflect a recognition of human-animal relationships as a significant part of normal experience. Services and policies need to factor in both the inclusion and loss of these.

Details

Title: The importance of pet loss and some implications for services
Authors: Christine Morley (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
J Fook (Author) - La Trobe University
Publication details: Mortality, Vol.10(2), pp.127-143
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2005
DOI: 10.1080/13576270412331329849
ISSN: 1357-6275
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449628302621
Output Type: Journal article

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