Introduction: Caring for pets has a positive impact on people's physical, emotional and mental health. Animals can reduce stress, promote physical activity, and provide emotional support. In occupational therapy, animal care is seen as a meaningful occupation that allows individuals to engage in activities that have personal meaning for them. Caring for animals contributes to a sense of meaning, responsibility and belonging. It helps individuals to maintain the structure of their day and to complete their life. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to find out how caregivers experience animal care as an occupation. Methods: We used a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: Participants described caring for animals as an important occupation that structures their daily lives, reinforces responsibility and has a positive impact on organisation. Love for animals and support from loved ones influenced the practice of this occupation. Participants highlighted that occupation has several benefits, such as emotional support, increased physical activity and social inclusion, and skill development. Challenges included time constraints, financial costs and weather conditions. Nevertheless, caring for animals contributes to a sense of peace, joy, meaning and belonging. Discussion and conclusion: Caring for animals helps individuals to maintain a sense of role, belonging and meaning in life. Past positive experiences and a supportive social environment play a key role in this. Occupation promotes personal development, empathy and strengthens social bonds. Animals provide a constant support in the lives of individuals, reducing feelings of loneliness and enabling them to cope more easily with the pressures of everyday life.
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