Abstract
Humans and domestic animals have co-evolved for thousands of years, developing a close relationship. These animals were used as workers, but shifted to companions as the concept of the "pet" became commonplace. By interacting with pets, humans may gain social information about the environment because pets retain wild characteristics. A nationwide survey was conducted to determine if association with pets related to a person's environmental attitudes, conservation habits, and knowledge. Pet owners favored better animal treatment, were more concerned about animal welfare issues, and showed higher conservation habits compared to non-pet owners. In addition, individuals that owned mixed breed animals were more concerned about human impacts on the environment, ecological issues, and showed greater knowledge about their pets compared to owners of purebred animals. It appears that mixed breed pets may act as a bridge between humans and the natural environment.