Pet Personality Test

How well do you know your pet? Take this test for a science-backed answer.

By Scott Travers, Ph.D. | October 4, 2024

Understanding pets’ personalities has become a growing interest among pet owners and researchers alike.

The idea of measuring pet personality stems from similar frameworks used in human psychology, where behavioral tendencies are assessed to categorize individuals' personalities. Pets, too, exhibit a range of behaviors that can be observed, analyzed, and grouped into distinct personality traits such as sociability, curiosity, aggression, and emotional stability.

Scales designed to measure pet personality rely on a combination of owner-reported behaviors and direct observation. These tools assess how pets respond to different situations, their interactions with humans and other animals, and their adaptability to new environments.

By using this scale, pet owners can better understand their pet's unique characteristics and make informed decisions regarding training, enrichment, and care.

You may think you know your pet extremely well, but only the data can tell you if you're right. Here's how to find out.

Step 1: Rate how accurately the following adjectives describe your pet.

1. Kind.

2. Energetic.

3. Creative.

4. Jealous.

5. Extraverted.

6. Moody.

7. Anxious.

8. Shy.

9. Intelligent.

10. Communicative.

11. Organized.

12. Relaxed.

13. Touchy.

14. Withdrawn.

15. Deep.

Step 2: Enter details about your pet below so we can provide you with a report that compares your pet to other pets.

What type of animal is it (e.g., dog, cat, gecko)? Also, please provide the breed if known.

What is your pet's name?

What is your pet's age?

What is your pet's gender?

Finally, what is your first name?

Step 3: Check to make sure you've provided answers to all of the statements/questions above. Once you've done that, click the button below to send your responses to Awake Therapy's Lead Biological Research Scientist, Scott Travers, Ph.D. He will provide you with an overview of how you scored relative to others (all answers are anonymized and confidential to protect users' privacy). He can also answer any follow-up questions you may have.

References: Gosling, S. D., & Bonnenburg, A. V. (1998). An integrative approach to personality research in anthrozoology: Ratings of six species of pets and their owners. Anthrozoös, 11(3), 148-156.