That is, they are no longer dependent upon the group. They are totally separate souls and spirits, just as we humans are. Each spirit incarnates into one body. There is no sharing of experiences or of bodily forms. At this stage in their development, their progression is very similar to that of humans.
Many people comment on how human their pets seem to be.
Our pets are spirits, just as all life is spirit. When our pets pass away, through death, they will endeavor to link with us and, if the opportunity lends itself, to communicate. They have given evidence of their survival by showing themselves, as they were while on earth, and conveying many of their character traits. Animals do not communicate in exactly the same way human spirits do. If you consider this, it makes perfect sense.