Study goals
This study aims to investigate the dimensions of the human-animal relationship, the connection between human names given to pets, and its reflection on consumer behavior.
Relevance / originality
One of the most important findings of this study is the indication that pet expenses appear to be underestimated in pet owners' budgets, to the extent that it leads to financial stress.
Methodology / approach
This study conducted a survey of 690 pet owners nationwide to understand these relationships.
Main results
The results of this article advance the literature on pets and names, showing that the strategy in choosing pet names mimics the dynamics of the human world, suggesting an additional characteristic in the anthropomorphizing process of the human-animal relationship.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The study advances the literature by inferring that the strategy in choosing pet names mimics the dynamics of the human world, suggesting an additional characteristic in the anthropomorphizing process of the human-animal relationship.
Social / management contributions
The study has important managerial contributions, demonstrating that groups who give human names to pets tend to spend more on their animals and suggests that pet expenses are underestimated in family budgets, leading to financial stress for these owners.