Passive To Active: Everyday Agency For Pets
We often think of our pets as family members—loyal companions who brighten our days with their antics and unconditional love. But how often do we stop to think about how much they might appreciate the freedom to make their own decisions? Giving animals agency is about acknowledging that they are not just creatures who simply follow our ‘commands’, but sentient beings with their own preferences, needs, and desires. It’s about respecting their ability to make choices, and in doing so, deepening the bond between us and our pets.
What Does It Mean to Give Animals Agency?
At its core, giving animals agency means recognising that they have the capacity to act independently, make decisions, and influence their own experiences. Agency isn’t about giving them free rein over everything; it’s about respecting their natural behaviours and allowing them the autonomy to express themselves in ways that are meaningful to them. Whether it’s a cat deciding where to nap, a dog choosing when to play, or a rabbit exploring a new space, agency is about giving our pets the power to engage with the world on their own terms.
In many ways, animals, just like humans, have preferences. They know what they like, what feels comfortable, and what stimulates them mentally or physically. Giving them the ability to make choices—no matter how small—means recognising their individuality and treating them with the dignity they deserve. It shifts the dynamic from owner and pet to partners, creating a more compassionate, respectful relationship that benefits both sides.
Why Is Giving Pets Agency So Important?
Giving animals agency is important for several reasons, not least of which is that it improves their overall wellbeing. Pets who have the freedom to make choices are generally less stressed and more content which results in decreased undesirable behavioural presentations because their needs are being met. When animals are denied the ability to make decisions, especially in their day-to-day lives, it can lead to boredom, frustration, and stress. If a pet is constantly told what to do, it can also create an unbalanced power dynamic, where the animal is never given the opportunity to express its natural behaviours.
By allowing pets to make decisions and explore their environment, we can support their mental and emotional health. For example, cats who have access to a variety of stimulating activities, from climbing shelves to scratching posts, can channel their energy in healthier ways, which also leads to a more content and balanced life.
On a deeper level, giving animals agency reflects an ethical approach to pet ownership. It’s an acknowledgment that animals, like humans, deserve respect and autonomy over their lives. This respect builds a more genuine, mutually beneficial bond between us and our pets, leading to a more fulfilling companionship. And let’s be honest—seeing our pets happy and comfortable in their own skin is one of the greatest joys of being a pet owner.
How Can We Give Our Pets Agency in Everyday Life?
The good news is, giving your pet more agency doesn’t require any major changes to your routine—it can be as simple as offering them choices and creating an environment that respects their natural instincts. Here are a few practical ways you can help your pet feel more empowered every day:
Offer Choices in Food and Play
One easy way to give your pet agency is by offering them choices. Instead of simply providing the same food every day, try offering a few options and let them decide which one they prefer. Maybe you stick to a certain brand of kibble, but do you know there’s a range of fruits and vegetables that offer dogs nutrients and other health benefits? If you have some left over roasted pumpkin, blueberries, pear, add this to their feed and give them the opportunity to explore! It might seem like a small thing, but for your pet, it’s an opportunity to make a choice that impacts their day. You can rotate different cat or rabbit toys or introduce new activities like puzzle feeders that engage them mentally.Create a Stimulating Environment
Pets thrive in environments where they can explore, engage, and make decisions about where they want to be. This is especially true for indoor cats, who benefit from having access to vertical spaces (like shelves or cat trees), hiding spots, and plenty of toys to keep them busy. For dogs, a well-fenced yard or walking on a long-line where they can roam and interact with their environment can offer them the chance to make decisions about how they engage with their surroundings.Respect Their Rest Time and Pro-Choice Handling
Just like humans, pets need time to rest and recharge. Let your dog or cat decide where they want to sleep—some animals prefer the comfort of their own bed, while others might choose a quiet corner of the room. If you have a dog that loves to dig into their bed, giving them space to create their own comfortable nest might feel like a small victory for them. In fact, allowing pets to rest undisturbed gives them the chance to manage their own energy levels, which is essential for their mental health. Ask your pet to approach you and come into your space instead of approaching them for pats and play, and recognise the need for solo time when they chose not to engage.Train Using Force-Free Methods
Training your pet isn’t just about teaching them cues—it’s also an opportunity for them to express themselves and make choices within the boundaries of your training sessions. Positive reinforcement, where pets are rewarded for desired behaviours, allows them to take an active role in their learning. Rather than using harsh punishment or force, encourage your pet to participate by rewarding them when they choose to engage with a cue. This method empowers your pet to think and make decisions based on the rewards they receive, fostering a sense of accomplishment and autonomy. Also consider training in different ways, instead of luring your pet into a behaviour you want, are you able to just sit with them and capture cool behaviours that they want to do?Let Them Interact with Nature
For many animals, having access to nature can be an incredibly empowering experience. If you have a dog, allowing them to explore different outdoor environments—whether it’s a walk in the park, a trip to the beach, or just a new route in the neighbourhood—lets them decide how they want to explore following their twist and turns that make up the journey! For cats, outdoor enclosures or “catios” can give them a chance to experience nature safely. Even small animals like rabbits can benefit from supervised time in a secure outdoor space, where they can forage and explore their surroundings.
At the end of the day, giving our pets agency is about trying to see the world through their lens and empowering them to take in the world in their way, at their pace. It’s about recognising that they are individuals with their own personalities, desires, and emotional needs, and that they deserve to live lives that reflect that. When we give them the power to make choices—whether in their food, their playtime, or how they interact with the world—we aren’t just making their lives better; we are enriching our own experience as pet owners. By making a few thoughtful adjustments to how we interact with our pets, we can foster a relationship built on trust, and mutual understanding. After all, our pets are here to share their lives with us. Giving them the agency to truly live on their own terms is one of the best ways we can honour them.
