Final answer:
Owning pets is a popular practice in the United States, with pets often being viewed as family members. Organizations like the American Kennel Club reflect the long history and importance of pet ownership in American culture. Pet ownership is a societal norm and is highly prevalent in American households.
Step-by-step explanation:
Owning pets is indeed popular in the United States. The bond between humans and animals, in the form of pets, has been a part of human cultures for a long time, and this is especially true in Western societies. Pets are considered cultural artifacts, reflecting the unique relationship between humans and animals across different societies. In the United States, there is a considerable market for pets, which includes a wide range of animals from domesticated species to those that are bred specifically for the pet trade.
The role of pets in human societies varies based on cultural traditions. However, in the United States specifically, pets play an integral part in many households, and animals such as dogs and cats are often seen as members of the family. This is highlighted by the establishment of organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) which started in the 19th century to maintain dog breed standards, a testament to the country's long history of pet ownership and affection towards pets.
Studies like those from the American Veterinary Medical Association illustrate the prevalence of pet ownership in the US, with a significant percentage of households owning different types of pets. Therefore, at a statistical significance level, it would likely be evident that a large number of students in the eastern United States are part of households owning pets. The widespread use of smartphones adds another layer to the pet ownership experience, allowing the sharing of pet-related content and contributing to the pet culture in the US.
It is noteworthy that the treatment and perception of pets can vary widely within the same country, with a distinction being made between those animals that are seen as companions and those kept more impersonally, as part of a collection. Regardless, in contemporary Western societies such as the United States, pet ownership is a well-established and societal norm.