Young Adults' Attachment to Pet Dogs: Findings from Open-Ended Methods

Turning to another being in times of emotional distress (safe haven) is a key feature of an attachment bond. This study examined pet dogs as safe havens among college students. Research results showed that participants were more likely to turn to pet dogs than to fathers or brothers, but less likely to turn to pet dogs than mothers, friends, and romantic partners in times of stress. The differences between pet dogs and humans as sources of safe haven were the smallest where the participants had high levels of involvement in the care of their dog.