Table 2 Concerns about ‘pet parenting’ – scores from the Parenting Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ-P) items

Concerns about co-parent

 There is no one to take good care of my pet if I die

53

25.2%

14

6.7%

26

12.4%

60

28.6%

57

27.1%

 I do not have a responsible caregiver for my pet if I died

62

29.7%

19

9.1%

27

12.9%

54

25.8%

47

22.5%

 There is no one who would be able to meet my pet’s emotional needs if I died

48

23.1%

19

9.1%

34

16.3%

65

31.3%

42

20.2%

Parent practical impact

 My illness is changing my pet’s routines

30

14.3%

35

16.7%

51

24.3%

54

25.7%

40

19.0%

 I am not able to spend as much time with my pet as I would like

32

15.4%

35

16.8%

41

19.7%

61

29.3%

39

18.8%

 My physical limits or low energy level are negatively affecting my pet

26

12.4%

36

17.1%

60

28.6%

61

29.0%

27

12.9%

 Changes in my memory and attention are negatively affecting my pet

47

22.5%

34

16.3%

51

24.4%

54

25.8%

23

11.0%

 My own mood, worries or emotions are negatively affecting my pet

32

15.2%

39

18.5%

56

26.5%

63

29.9%

21

10.0%

Emotional impact

 My pet seems worried about me

24

11.4%

34

16.2%

47

22.4%

65

31.0%

40

19.0%

 My pet seems confused or upset by changes brought about because of my illness

36

17.2%

32

15.3%

55

26.3%

51

24.4%

35

16.7%

 My pet gets upset when I talk about my illness

63

30.0%

29

13.8%

48

22.9%

37

17.6%

33

15.7%

 My pet’s mental/emotional health is suffering because of my illness

53

25.4%

31

14.8%

43

20.6%

50

23.9%

32

15.3%

 My pet is emotionally upset by my illness

43

20.5%

32

15.2%

50

23.8%

61

29.0%

24

11.4%