To most psychologists, an animal takes on a separate status in our minds when we gain companionship from it. At this stage, it can be considered a pet. People keep animals, such as bees, for specific reasons, but it is only when we make the psychological link with them as individuals that they are considered pets. That said, people who keep fish and reptiles rarely get the same level of companionship that dog and cat owners do, for instance. However, these animals can be pets if they bring any sort of affiliation in our lives. By merely caring for them, this is usually achieved.