Characterization of the domestic canine and feline population in the city of Mineiros/GO, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the domiciled population of dogs and cats in the city of Mineiros/GO. It is a basic, descriptive quali-quantitative research, through a population survey (animal census type). A total of 20,623 animals were counted, with 16,091 dogs and 4,532 cats. 43% were female dogs, 35.02% male dogs, 12.21% female cats, and 9.77% male cats. 73.89% of the population in this census is characterized as adult and 8.35% as elderly. 84.39% of dogs and cats are not neutered. Only 0.30% of animals have some form of identification (microchip or tattoo). 73.15% of animals were adopted, and 11.02% were born at home. 33.54% have supervised access, and in 27.91% of cases, access is unsupervised. 80.15% received some form of antiparasitic treatment in the last year. 58.57% of animals were vaccinated for rabies. 22.84% have never taken their pets to the veterinarian. The data found provide insights for the development of public policies aimed at controlling zoonoses, urban planning, and animal health in the municipality of Mineiros/GO.