It's official: Pets have feelings too The American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA) has confirmed something that most
pet owners already know. Animals have the ability to feel,
perceive and have subjective experiences. The association
recently released a position statement on this matter and is one
of the first animal health organizations in the U.S. to
officially take a stance on animal sentiency. "Veterinarians
have always known that domestic pets have emotions and can
experience pain and fear," said Dr. Rod Jouppi, chair of AAHA's
Animal Ethics and Welfare Committee. "Sentience refers to these
characteristics and AAHA wants to ensure that our profession
clearly states that pets have a special place in our homes and
in our hearts, and certainly deserve to be included within the
sphere of sentience." While the designation by the AAHA may
change the thinking of some non-pet owners, it is not a surprise
to anyone who's ever had a cat, dog or other pet. After all, the
pure joy and exuberance a dog exhibits wh