Final answer:
The statement is true as previous pet ownership can enhance understanding of pet care needs. The history of pet keeping shows it has evolved, with modern Western pet keeping focusing on companionship. Cultural differences in pet treatment also affect pet care understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Pet owners who have owned pets previously usually have a good understanding of the care their pet needs," is generally true. Previous experience with pet ownership can contribute significantly to an individuals understanding and competency in caring for pets. This knowledge comes from a combination of hands-on experience, facing various challenges, and learning from mistakes.
Furthermore, being involved with pet care over time often leads to a deeper comprehension of a pet's needs, behaviors, and health requirements.
Pet keeping has evolved over time and has roots deep in human history, even appearing among nonhuman animals. For example, Koko the gorilla's relationship with her kitten All Ball showed that care and companionship can transcend species. In contemporary Western culture, pet keeping has become especially characterized by keeping animals purely for companionship, which was not always the case throughout history.
Prior to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, animals were typically kept for functions or tasks within households. The shift to modern pet keeping is marked by changes in human society, such as urbanization, smaller family sizes, developments in medical sciences, and increased affluence. These changes have encouraged a more affectionate relationship between people and pets and have resulted in the economic development of related industries.
Yi-Fu Tuan's work highlights how the treatment of pets can vary greatly between cultures, which may influence the depth of understanding pet owners have regarding their animals' needs. In some cultures, pets are viewed more as sentimental companions, while in others the relationship might be more practical or based on reciprocity.