How long does this quiz take?

It takes about 3-4 minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all Animal Attitude Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Animal Attitude Scale results may have changed.

What will this test tell me about my attitude toward animals?

This test will provide a score that indicates whether your attitudes towards animals lean more toward a protectionist/empathic viewpoint or a utilitarian/resource-based viewpoint.

How can my results from the Animal Attitudes Test be useful?

Your score can provide valuable self-insight into your core ethical values regarding animal welfare. This awareness can help guide your choices in consumption, advocacy, and personal interactions with animals.

Discover where your views fall on the spectrum of animal welfare, from deep empathy to utilitarian resource use, with this free animal attitude questionnaire.

Animal Attitude Scale

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

By Scott Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Reviewed by Mark Travers, Ph.D.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about 3-4 minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Animal Attitude Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Animal Attitude Scale results may have changed.
What will this test tell me about my attitude toward animals?: This test will provide a score that indicates whether your attitudes towards animals lean more toward a protectionist/empathic viewpoint or a utilitarian/resource-based viewpoint.
How can my results from the Animal Attitudes Test be useful?: Your score can provide valuable self-insight into your core ethical values regarding animal welfare. This awareness can help guide your choices in consumption, advocacy, and personal interactions with animals.

Animal Attitude Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Animal Attitudes

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly 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.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Animal Attitude Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Scott Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

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

Disclaimer

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