Animal Empathy Test: Do You Care For Animals As Much As People?

Do you care for animals in the same way you care for people? Take this test to find out.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: March 19, 2026

People's attitudes towards animals are diverse. They range from a profound emotional connection, viewing animals as cherished family members and staunchly advocating for their rights, to a more practical perspective, seeing them primarily as resources for food, labor, or research.

This Animal Empathy Test, adapted from scientific research into human-animal relationships, is designed to help you reflect on your personal feelings and beliefs. By assessing your stance on various ethical issues, such as the use of animals for consumption, testing, or sport, you can gain insight into whether your default position leans toward a protectionist or a more utilitarian viewpoint. Your results can offer a framework for making more conscious decisions that align with your deepest values.

If you are interested in exploring other facets of your connection to animals, you may want to check out the Pet Owner Connectedness Scale or the Fear of Animals Scale.

Take The Animal Attitude Scale

For each statement, indicate how much you agree. For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. The immediate cessation of whaling and dolphin slaughter is necessary, regardless of the economic impact on affected workers.

2. The study of advanced biology could be accomplished without the dissection of preserved animal specimens, such as cats.

3. I often feel a strong sense of sadness or distress when viewing large wild animals confined in zoo enclosures.

4. It is unacceptable for certain animals, like cattle and hogs, to be raised solely for human consumption.

5. The use of animals, such as rabbits, for testing the safety of household or cosmetic products should be prohibited.

6. I fundamentally disagree that humans have the moral authority to use animals however we choose.

7. Hunting wild animals purely for sport is an inherently unethical activity.

8. Breeding and selling purebred pets is morally wrong given the number of animals that are euthanized in shelters every year.

9. I believe it is wrong to use animals in all forms of medical research.

10. Using animals specifically for their skins or fur to create fashion products is an illegitimate use.

11. My concern for the suffering of animals in disasters (e.g., house fires, floods) is equal to my concern for the suffering of people in the same situation.

Now, enter your demographics to see how you stack up against others.

First Name

Age

Gender

Region

References

Inspired by work by Herzog, H., Grayson, S., & McCord, D. (2015). Brief measures of the Animal Attitude Scale. Anthrozoös, 28, 145-152. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279315X14129350721894

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this scale take?
It takes a few minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?
Yes, all responses are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?
Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Animal Empathy Test: Do You Care For Animals As Much As People?

Take The Animal Attitude Scale

Now, enter your demographics to see how you stack up against others.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

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