An animal lover is someone who enjoys being around animals, feels empathy for them, and wants to help them when they can. Animal lovers may have one or more pets, and they often find great joy in their company. Other words for an animal lover include pet lover, pet person, friend of animals, or zoophilist.
Some say that animal lovers are often kind, compassionate, and responsible people. Psychologists have found that the love people have for their children is similar to the love they have for animals. Humans may love animals because they see them as helpless beings that need protection.