Domestic animals, also known as house pets, can refer to several different species of animals that humans keep as companions or for agricultural purposes. Synonyms for domestic animals include pets, livestock, farm animals, domesticated animals, and barnyard animals. Examples of domestic animals can range from cats and dogs to horses and cows. While pets may be kept in a home, agricultural domestic animals may be raised on a farm. Domestic animals are often bred for specific purposes such as providing companionship or producing food, clothing, or labor. Regardless of their purpose, domestic animals play an important role in human society and our relationship with them spans back thousands of years.