Offering us both the warmest greetings and the most heartbreaking farewells, our pets are not merely furry, scaly, or feathered companions; they are our travel partners, playmates, and trusted friends who share in our happiness and sorrow as we journey through life. Bryce Dallas Howard’s Pets beautifully navigates the emotional landscape of pet ownership, presenting a collection of uplifting narratives that showcase the bond between humans and their unexpected animal companions. This Disney+ documentary is brimming with heartwarming stories and charming creatures, ultimately leaving viewers feeling inspired, appreciative, and reaching for tissues, all while your furry friend looks on, puzzled by your tears.

Discover the Heartwarming Narratives in the Disney+ Documentary ‘Pets’

The documentary opens with a montage of affectionate moments shared between people and their pets, instantly establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere for the viewer. Pets transports us around the globe, featuring heartwarming tales from places like North Carolina, Spain, Japan, and beyond, illustrating the diverse experiences of devoted pet owners from various backgrounds. Instead of solely highlighting traditional families with golden retrievers—who, while wonderful, are just a small part of the pet world—this documentary celebrates an array of animals. From adorable bunnies and gentle sheep to majestic falcons and an impressively large mini pig, every imaginable animal gets its moment to shine alongside their human companions.

Throughout the film, we meet fascinating individuals such as Sterling Davis, a rapper turned cat rescuer who ingeniously created a dating app for fellow cat enthusiasts. We also follow Sergi, who enjoys kayaking around Spain with his beloved dog Nirvana, and Kristin and Jay, who operate a sanctuary for special needs animals in North Carolina, where their 300-pound pig, Ziggy, adds to the charm. Furthermore, we witness Travis and Adam welcoming a lively puppy into their home, rekindling joy for their aging dog, while Shizue finds comfort in her cherished pups after losing her husband. The documentary revisits these families, allowing viewers to connect deeply and feel a sense of closure for each unique journey.

How Children Enrich the Viewing Experience of ‘Pets’

Within these touching stories of rescue, rehabilitation, and unwavering love, we also witness heartfelt interviews with children who share their own experiences with their animal friends. It’s no secret that tugging at the heartstrings of pet lovers is a straightforward task, but introducing adorable kids into the narrative makes Pets an undeniable success. It’s truly effortless to evoke tears over clips of children receiving kittens as Christmas gifts.

Yet, Bryce Dallas Howard skillfully avoids relying solely on the children to maintain the film’s emotional warmth. The youngsters featured in Pets are intelligent, articulate, and refreshingly candid, often delivering some of the most poignant observations in the documentary. For instance, one boy named Landon shares his special bond with his dog Bilbo, both of whom were born with cleft lips and palates. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Goldie expresses her unwavering connection to her pets, stating that while some friends may tire of her, her pets are always there. Most viewers can reflect on their first pet that left a lasting imprint on their lives, and Pets thoughtfully reminds us of the profound significance of these early friendships.

Bryce Dallas Howard’s Insightful Exploration of the Joys and Sorrows of Pet Ownership

While the majority of Pets focuses on the joy and fulfillment derived from having pets, the documentary also bravely confronts the heart-wrenching reality that we cannot keep them forever. Just as inevitable as the fur on our clothing and the messes they leave behind, the concept of the Rainbow Bridge looms over us, a fate we often prefer to ignore until our beloved animals must cross it. One of the film’s most gut-wrenching scenes features Shizue articulating that it is our duty as guardians to express gratitude to our pets and to accompany them lovingly at the end of their lives, ensuring that if you weren’t already in tears, you certainly will be.

Most importantly, Pets does not diminish the profound grief associated with pet loss. As falconer and conservationist Rodney Stotts reminds us, “Love is love is love is love.” Nevertheless, the documentary does not dwell on sorrow for too long; it pays homage to such feelings while also gently reminding the audience that while losing a pet is undeniably heartbreaking, it is a price worth paying for the purest form of love we can experience. For many children, the loss of a pet represents their first genuine encounter with grief, and the kids in Pets are no different. Their reflections on processing this pain make the documentary an invaluable experience for viewers of all ages, despite its occasional emotional challenges.

However, beyond the shared sorrow of losing pets, this documentary is filled with relatable and lighthearted moments that any pet owner can appreciate. From the endless supply of lint rollers to the silly songs we sing to our animals when we think no one else is listening, there are numerous humorous instances beautifully captured throughout the film, offering a much-needed contrast to the more somber themes. (A special shout-out goes to the creative pet names, such as Alanis Mew-isset!).

As the perceptive young Landon aptly summarizes at the film’s conclusion, “The best part of pets is simply… pets.” While crafting an engaging documentary about animals might not be a monumental challenge, Bryce Dallas Howard infuses Pets with an abundance of heart, elevating it from a mere feel-good feature to a profound exploration of life, love, and loss—while still maintaining its undeniable cuteness.

Pets is now available for streaming on Disney+.