Compassion for animals: a narrative review

Compassion for animals has emerged as an important yet insufficiently examined construct within psychological and contemplative science. Human–animal relationships have been shaped by anthropocentric and hierarchical norms that normalize harm, unevenly distribute moral concern, and limit recognition of animal suffering. Recent theoretical and empirical advances, however, indicate that compassion for animals constitutes a distinct and meaningful dimension of compassion, with significant implications for individual well-being, ethical orientation, and ecological sustainability. This review synthesizes current research on compassion for animals, integrating perspectives from ethics, contemplative science, and human–animal studies. It examines how compassion for animals is conceptualized and measured, distinguishing it from empathy and compassion directed toward humans, and reviews empirical evidence linking animal-directed compassion to personality traits, nature relatedness, and psychological health. The review also considers animals as relational partners and sentient beings capable of eliciting and expressing empathic responses. In addition, it discusses contemplative, experiential, and animal-assisted practices as potential pathways for cultivating compassion toward animals, while addressing ethical considerations related to animal welfare and agency. The review concludes by outlining directions for future research and highlighting the role of compassion for animals in expanding ethical concern, reducing animal suffering, and fostering more compassionate human–animal relationships.