Can pets read human emotions?

I agree that dogs most definitely do understand human emotions. I think some other types of pet might also know if you were in a bad mood, or if you were feeling exceptionally happy.

I think small mammals would be less responsive to human moods than a dog, cat or parrot. A companion animal will bond with its owner and so will be more sensitive to emotions, but a small rodent or a small bird would probably not have any perception.

It is probably natural for many types of animal to sense fear, hostility or friendliess in other species as well as their own kind.