Development and Validation of the Perceived Pet Responsiveness and Insensitivity Scale

Companion animal guardianship is widespread; however, little is known about the inner dynamics of human-companion animal relationships. Perceived responsiveness and insensitivity are vital markers of relationship quality within human-human relationships, yet they remain neglected within the human-companion animal context. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a measure of perceived pet responsiveness and insensitivity, as well as a short form measure. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) phase of this study included a sample of 366 adults, while the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) phase included 368 adults; both samples were British, English-speaking pet owners. The full-scale version of the Perceived Pet Responsiveness and Insensitivity Scale (PPRIS) was found to be 46 items, with 12 of these items retained for the Scale-Short Form (PPRIS-SF) based on their high factor loadings and theoretical content. Both versions of the scale are reliable measures of perceived pet responsiveness and insensitivity.