A series of interviews in Japan examined the relationships between people and animals (including the nature and length of relationship). The results may help to understand the ideas that form attitudes towards different animals in varying circumstances and for different species.

Relationships between humans and animals appear to depend on both the individual’s familiarity with the species and the perceived functions and roles of the animals. The most familiar types of animals mentioned were dogs (41%), cats (23%), cows (13%), birds (6%), pigs (5%), chickens (4%), fish (3%), tortoise (2%), other mammals (2%), and beetles (1%).

Length of relationships with animals varied; farmers, considered the relationship at the species level, and none had been with animals for less than 2 years; 84% had been with animals more than ten years. Companion animal owners viewed the question as individuals; 11% had that animal less than 1 year and 11% had had the animal more than 5 years, with most people falling in between.

The interview questions related to overall like or dislike for animals, with results showing that most people like animals (50%), few people dislike animals (16%), and many have no feelings about animals (35%). More people who did not own companion animal said they disliked animals, compared with companion animal owners, farmers or veterinarians.