For many people, companion animals—whether dogs, cats, birds, or other pets—play a significant role in their lives, providing joy, companionship, and emotional support. While much has been written about how religious traditions view the relationship between humans and animals, atheists—who do not adhere to a belief in gods or the supernatural—often approach the bond with their pets from a secular, humanistic perspective.
Atheists, like people of faith, find deep meaning in their relationships with animals. However, their understanding of this connection tends to focus on science, ethics, and the emotional benefits of pet ownership. Whether it’s the companionship of a loyal dog, the comforting presence of a cat, or the joy of caring for small animals, atheists recognize the intrinsic value of animals and the mutual benefits of sharing life with them. Here, we explore some of the reasons why companion animals are important to atheists and how they align with secular values.
A Scientific and Psychological Perspective on Human-Animal Bonds
For many atheists, the relationship with companion animals is viewed through the lens of science, particularly psychology and evolutionary biology. Studies have shown that pets can improve human well-being by reducing stress, alleviating feelings of loneliness, and promoting physical activity. Companion animals provide emotional support, offer routine and structure, and, in many cases, help individuals develop a deeper sense of empathy.
From an evolutionary standpoint, the bond between humans and animals is thought to have developed over thousands of years. The domestication of dogs, for example, is believed to have occurred as early humans and wolves began to cooperate for mutual benefit—humans providing food, and wolves offering protection and companionship. Over time, this symbiotic relationship deepened, leading to the strong emotional connection many people feel toward their pets today.
Atheists often take a scientific approach to understanding why humans form such powerful bonds with animals. Research has shown that interacting with pets can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and love. This biological response helps explain why caring for an animal can feel so rewarding and emotionally fulfilling, even without attributing any spiritual significance to the relationship.
Ethical Responsibility and Animal Welfare
Atheists generally place a strong emphasis on ethics and moral reasoning based on human empathy and the well-being of others. This extends to the treatment of animals, where many atheists advocate for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
Without relying on religious doctrines, atheists often look to secular ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism or humanism, to guide their behavior toward animals. Utilitarian ethics, for example, promote actions that minimize suffering and maximize happiness. From this perspective, caring for a pet is seen as an ethical obligation: providing food, shelter, veterinary care, and affection is necessary to ensure the well-being of the animal.
Furthermore, many atheists believe that because humans have the capacity for reason and control over the environment, they also have a responsibility to care for the animals under their charge. This is reflected in a commitment to adopting animals from shelters, supporting animal rights organizations, and advocating against cruelty toward animals. The idea is not that animals have intrinsic spiritual value, but rather that they are sentient beings capable of experiencing pleasure and pain, and thus deserve ethical consideration.
The Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Pets for Atheists
Companion animals provide a unique form of emotional support, which can be particularly valuable for atheists who do not turn to religion or spirituality during times of stress or hardship. Pets offer a non-judgmental presence, providing comfort through their companionship and loyalty. For many atheists, the simple, genuine affection of a pet is a reminder of the meaningful, tangible relationships we can form with other living beings.
Numerous studies have shown that having a pet can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Pets, especially dogs, often encourage physical activity, such as walking, which has positive mental and physical health benefits. Cats and other small animals, while less demanding in terms of physical activity, offer emotional comfort and companionship, helping people feel connected and less isolated.
Atheists may approach the companionship of animals from a pragmatic standpoint, recognizing the mental health benefits of pet ownership as part of an overall strategy for living a happy, fulfilling life. Without attributing metaphysical significance to their pets, atheists can still experience profound joy and meaning through these relationships, which provide a sense of purpose and connection.
Pet Loss: A Secular Approach to Grief
The death of a pet can be a deeply emotional experience, regardless of one’s religious beliefs. For atheists, the grief associated with losing a pet is often viewed through the lens of life’s natural cycles rather than concepts of an afterlife or spiritual continuity. A secular approach to pet loss may focus on the importance of honoring the time spent with the animal, appreciating the happiness they brought into one’s life, and accepting the impermanence of all living things.
While religious traditions might offer rituals or beliefs about pets continuing on in an afterlife, atheists tend to focus on celebrating the memories of the animal and reflecting on the joy and love shared during their life. This acceptance of mortality, rooted in the understanding that death is a natural part of life, can still bring peace and closure, even without a belief in an afterlife for pets or humans.
Many atheists find comfort in the knowledge that they provided a good life for their companion animal, ensuring their well-being and happiness. The focus remains on the tangible, lived experiences with the pet, rather than on any metaphysical or spiritual beliefs about the animal’s fate after death.
Pets as a Source of Joy, Connection, and Meaning
For atheists, the joy of having a companion animal is not tied to any supernatural beliefs but is grounded in the simple pleasures of life: the warmth of a pet’s companionship, the mutual affection shared, and the everyday moments of connection that enrich the human experience. These experiences highlight the importance of nurturing relationships, whether with humans or animals, as a source of meaning and fulfillment in life.
Atheists often embrace a humanistic view of life, which places value on human experience, reason, and compassion. Pets fit naturally into this worldview as beings that contribute to personal well-being and emotional health. For many atheists, pets are a reminder of the beauty of the natural world, the joys of connection, and the importance of living fully in the present moment.