by Lucie Shores

Created on: May 06, 2011   Last Updated: May 08, 2011

The role of the family pet is defined by the temperament and tendencies of the individual animal as well as the specific family. There is infinite variety and character among different species and individual pets.  Their strengths, weaknesses and tendencies are often on display when encountering an animal the first time.   Asking the question is similar to asking what is the role of a Fiend in the family. "Friend" is a label that covers a wide variety of roles from companion to occasional support system and sometime protector and on and on.

What pet a family chooses depends on the roles one wants this particular pet to play. From seeing eye dog to insulin-sensitive care-taker, there is already a wide-ranging set of behaviors that can be learned by a dog. It probably wouldn't work as well to expect that level of engagement from a pet ferret or hamster, although these cuddly bundles of fur and eyes may offer significantly more empathy value than a dog who is constantly wary and alert for signs of distress. It isn't fair to expect a goat to fill in for a conversational mina bird, for example, yet a talking bird will not provide milk or the kind of wool that can be taken from angora goats to be used for spinning and knitting a variety of warm clothing or other decorative home furnishings.

As described, family pets can fill many roles, but if the main roles to be filled by the family pet are those of companion, playmate, or essentially another member of the family, then the characteristics of a pet can be chosen to match the needs of members of the family. Cuddly kitten, obstreperous Labrador, talkative parrot or mischievous monkey may all be ideal pets for specific families. As such, a pet really does become part of the family, sharing attention and showing what even seems to be compassion toward people.

As such, a pet may watch out for it's humans and even perform heroic acts to prevent harm coming to them. What pet owners must remember is that the dog or cat or bird is not human and should not be expected to behave like one. The owner will always be responsible for the pet and needs to keep in mind the needs of the pet. Meeting those needs is the main duty of the pet owner and the role of the pet is simply to be what it is; not to meet human expectations. If a pet is to have a role of it's own it needs to be encouraged to act out appropriate behaviors for its kind. Then your pet can begin to create it's own place in the family and you, as the owner will learn what that is to be, as well as what your role is to be as a responsible owner.

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