People often see the human in the nonhuman, a process called anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is particularly prolific regarding the humanization of pets. Some research suggests that people with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. In this study, we explored whether there were differences in how autistic and neurotypical pet owners anthropomorphized their pets. We also examined differences in levels of connectedness to nature and experiences of loneliness and how this corresponded to autistic traits in the entire sample. We found anthropomorphism was as common among autistic pet owners as in neurotypicals. However, autistic pet owners reported greater loneliness and were more likely to substitute pets for people. We also found that neurotypical pet owners rated pets more highly on physical, non‐anthropomorphic traits (i.e., muscular, active). In contrast, autistic pet owners were likelier to rate pets equally between physical and anthropomorphic traits. Moreover, we found that anthropomorphism and connection to nature were positively correlated with autistic traits. These findings challenge accounts stating that individuals with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. Implications for animal‐based interventions supporting adults on the spectrum are discussed. Lay Summary: Autistic people are often assumed to have deficits in the understanding and appreciation of mental states. In this study, we examined whether that was true in the context of animals and the natural environment. We found that autistic people were just as likely to anthropomorphise or humanize their pets and were more likely to think about pets using mental versus physical traits. We also found that autistic traits were correlated with anthropomorphism and connection to nature. These findings corroborate autistic accounts highlighting a strong connection to the natural world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]