What is an Animal Companion? Revisiting the Barnbaum-Varner Definition

Many animal ethicists have shifted from using the term “pet” to the term “animal companion,” but what exactly is an animal companion? Arguably, the most comprehensive description of what an animal companion is comes from Gary Varner, who builds upon the work of Deborah Barnbaum. This article examines what I call the Barnbaum-Varner definition of an animal companion. I suggest that while the definition mostly captures what we think of when we think of an animal companion, there are potential philosophical issues that may impede constructive use of this definition. A revised version of the Barnbaum-Varner definition is developed to avoid these issues.