People love their pets deeply. In fact, most people consider themselves to be animal lovers. We show it with birthday celebrations, extra space on the couch (or even the bed), and our love of wild and domesticated animals on TV and in movies.

But does it mean that we love animals more than humans? Is there something more complicated going on? 

In many ways, empathy seems to be disappearing from our society. Because of the constant media barrage of violence, death, and despair, we are all becoming increasingly desensitized to the suffering of other humans. 

Our empathy level is unrelated to species. Instead, it has to do with perceived helplessness and vulnerability. This can also relate to the human-animal bond many of us feel, as they require our attention, help, and concern.

Our natural affection for animals can be compared to our love for our children. We care for them and desire to help them because they cannot readily help themselves. Our perception of adult humans is that they can quickly speak up for their rights or defend themselves from danger. But that is not true of children and animals, who are entirely at the mercy of others for shelter, food, and protection.

But what else is happening in our relationship with animals beyond our impulse to care for the helpless?

Many of us yearn for unconditional love and crave it.

This precious commodity can be challenging to find in human relationships and stems from our remembrance of being kids.

But not with pets, as any animal lover will likely tell you.

Animals love us for who we are. They have zero expectations and are always happy to see us, no matter how grumpy we may feel that day. 

They know us and communicate without ever needing to speak a word, and we can be completely honest with them without fear of judgment.

And what about the social benefits of being an animal lover?

Studies have found that animal lovers are less likely to be lonely. Besides your pet's companionship, they also make it easier for you to connect with pleasant humans. How often have you made new friends because they interacted with your lovable pet first?

Animals touch the most intimate parts of our hearts: our need to nurture and protect, our need for companionship and love. Of course, these needs exist within most of us and are part of our nature, no matter what. But it seems that animals have a unique ability to bring them out in us. Dogs, cats, rabbits, octopuses, turtles, and sloths inspire us to reveal these deep human needs, which we might otherwise keep hidden.