September 3, 2025, 3:49 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Why do some people love animals deeply while others remain emotionally distant? Two studies, one from the UK and one from the U.S., suggest it could be due to specific genes that influence our empathy—not just emotions toward people, but also a love for animals. The so-called oxytocin receptor gene plays a key role in this. Indeed, some of us carry a kind of “empathy switch” in our DNA.
Are There “Animal Love Genes”?
Researchers from the UK and the U.S. have explored an intriguing question: Are some people naturally more empathetic toward animals? And if so, could it be genetic? Both studies focused on the so-called OXTR gene—the blueprint for a receptor through which the bonding hormone oxytocin acts in the brain.
Oxytocin—often known as the “cuddle hormone”—is a neurotransmitter that affects social relationships. It influences trust, closeness, and care. It has long been known that the OXTR gene, the blueprint for the oxytocin receptor, is linked to social behavior.
While a research team at the University of Florida studied the behavior of children with their own dogs, scientists at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh analyzed how adults reacted to animal images—both consciously and unconsciously. Both studies concluded that our genes indeed influence how closely we feel connected to animals.
Born a “Pet Person”?
So far, research has mainly focused on interpersonal empathy. But our connection with animals also seems to be influenced by our social genes.
The UK study involved 161 students. They completed questionnaires on animal empathy and took an IAT test, which measured unconscious reactions to animal images. At the same time, their genetic material was analyzed—specifically five variants of the OXTR gene, including the well-researched markers rs53576 and rs2254298.
The U.S. study focused on 97 children who came to the lab with their own dogs. They were asked to call, pet, and make eye contact with their dogs. The researchers closely observed how often and how intensely this happened—and compared it with the children’s genetic profiles (also marker rs53576).
Both studies found a clear connection between genetics and animal-related behavior. In the UK study, two genetic effects were particularly evident:
- People with the GG variant of rs2254298 had higher animal empathy than carriers of the A gene (AG or AA).
- For rs53576, G carriers showed more positive unconscious reactions to animal images than A carriers—especially women. 1
In the U.S. study, it was found:
- Children with the A variant of rs53576 petted their dogs more often than children with the GG variant.
- Children who felt annoyed or disturbed by the dog touched it significantly less—regardless of genotype. 2
Animal Love Not Solely Determined by Genes
These findings suggest that some people are emotionally more open to animals from birth. Their bodies react more strongly to animal stimuli, they seek physical closeness to dogs, and they feel more compassion when animals suffer.
This does not mean that love for animals is solely genetically determined—upbringing, experience, and environment play a significant role. However, genes can help determine whether we are open to closeness with animals at all. This is particularly relevant for animal-assisted therapies, as well as for professions involving animals: animal caretakers, veterinarians, or farmers.
Moreover, the U.S. study showed that children who, according to previous studies, tend to be more reserved or sensitive in human relationships (such as with parents or peers) were more active and physical in their interactions with dogs. They clearly preferred the company of an animal over that of a human.
Also interesting: Do Cats Miss Their Owners?
Why Do Some Cats Purr More Than Others? Study Finds the Reason
What Golden Retrievers Reveal About Our Psyche
How Common Are These “Animal Love Genes”?
Here, a closer look is worthwhile. For the frequently studied marker rs53576 in the OXTR gene, the distribution in Western populations (such as the U.S., UK) is approximately:
- 40–45%: GG (two G alleles)
- 45–50%: AG (one G, one A allele)
- 5–10%: AA (two A alleles)
This means about 50 to 60 percent of the population carries at least one A allele, which was associated with more physical affection toward dogs in the U.S. study. For rs2254298 (UK study), the picture is similar but with slightly different distribution:
- GG carriers (highest animal empathy) make up 30 to 60 percent of the population, depending on the group.
- A carriers (AG or AA) are considered somewhat less empathetic—in the animal context.
Of course, this does not mean that GG carriers are automatically animal lovers—but they have genetically more favorable conditions for empathy.
Conclusion for Animal Lovers
Whether you spend hours petting a dog or remain more distant could be influenced not only by upbringing but also by genetics. The independent studies show that our relationship with animals is biologically influenced, especially by variants in the OXTR gene, which is responsible for social closeness.
The good news? Genes are not a one-way street. They set a direction—but how deeply we truly feel is also determined by life. Those who grow up with animals, experience care, and allow closeness can learn empathy—regardless of their genetic profile. But knowing that some people are naturally more receptive to animals helps: in therapy, in education—and in understanding each other.