Companion Animal Owners Research Articles

Dog ownership, physical activity, loneliness and mental health: a comparison of older adult and younger adult companion animal owners

Background and aimDog ownership has been suggested as an intervention to increase physical activity and improve mental health, but few studies have investigated the relationships between dog ownership, physical activity, and mental health outcomes together. This study aimed to (1) investigate whether dog ownership, CA-related physical activity, and non-CA-related physical activity were explanatory variables for the relationships between CA ownership, depression, and anxiety via loneliness and (2) examine whether the relationships between these variables differed for older adult CA owners compared to younger adult CA owners.MethodParticipants were Australian CA owners from the community (N = 588, 76.3% female) aged 18–84 years (M = 55.34, SD = 14.90). A cross-sectional design and online/phone survey methodology were used.ResultsPath analysis showed that dog owners (compared to owners of other CA types) engaged in higher levels of both CA-related and non-CA-related physical activity, but only non-CA-related physical activity was associated with mental health outcomes. Multigroup moderation analysis showed that older adult and younger adult CA owners experienced similar moderate levels of loneliness, while in younger adults this moderate loneliness was associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety as compared to older adults.ConclusionOur findings indicate people who choose to own dogs over other CA types engage in more active lifestyles, but it is the physical activity they perform independently of their dog that is associated with less loneliness and greater mental health. Members of the public should not be universally encouraged by health or other professionals to own a dog to support their mental health based on a belief that dog ownership leads to beneficial physical activity.

Companion Animal Owners' Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Antibiotic Use in Portugal.

While multiple studies have focused on the motivations surrounding antibiotic prescription among veterinarians, little is known about companion animal owners' knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) regarding the topic. A nationwide survey directed toward Portuguese dog and cat owners was conducted online and at veterinary practices to characterize their KAP regarding antibiotics. After database curation, a total of 423 valid submissions were considered. Although 97.9% of respondents stated that they knew what an antibiotic was, 23.5% and 19.2% answered that they were used to treat viral and fungal infections, respectively. Antimicrobial effectiveness was favored over cost when 87.7% of owners agreed they would prefer to spend more money to identify the appropriate antibiotic. Around 87% of respondents recognized antibiotic resistance as a significant health problem and 74.6% strongly agreed/somewhat agreed that antibiotic use in pets may contribute to resistance development. However, only 25.3% recognized that this could promote resistance dissemination, showing little awareness of the interconnection between human and animal health. Moreover, 55.6% of respondents were neutral when asked whether antibiotics used in veterinary medicine were also important for humans. These findings suggest that communication between veterinarians and pet owners can still be improved to further clarify the impact that antibiotic use has in pets from a One-Health perspective, also enabling antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

The Associations between Human-Companion Animal Relationship Duration, Companion Animal Life Stage, and Relationship Quality.

Although many companion animal (or "pet") owners report that their relationships with their pets are important, we know little about how animal ownership duration and animal life stage are related to relationship quality. In a sample of 1303 dog and cat owners, the present research explored the associations between relationship duration, pet life stage (puppy/kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior), and four markers of relationship quality: pet-related self-expansion, perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human-animal bond. We found that relationship duration was negatively and linearly associated with self-expansion for both dog and cat owners. Results comparing relationship quality markers across pet life stages revealed that for both dog and cat owners, self-expansion was higher for owners of younger animals compared to owners of older animals. There were no significant effects for perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, or human-animal bond based on relationship duration or animal life stage. These findings indicate that the duration of the relationship with one's pet and animal life stage have implications for how much people feel a pet helps them grow, whereas other markers of human-pet relationship quality likely vary based on other experiences.

The Link between the Nature of the Human–Companion Animal Relationship and Well-Being Outcomes in Companion Animal Owners

Research into the impact of companion animals on well-being has been both extensive and inconclusive, with studies finding both positive and negative relationships. The present research explored three previously unexamined relationship science concepts that may help clarify whether companion animals provide well-being benefits: self-expansion (the process of adding positive content to the self through incorporating new resources and perspectives into one’s identity or engaging in novel, exciting activities), perceived pet responsiveness, and perceived pet insensitivity; as well as attachment. We focused on dog and cat owners’ depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect, and loneliness through an online survey with a large sample population (N = 1359). We found that perceived pet insensitivity is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, negative affect, and loneliness; that attachment is a significant positive predictor of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and a significant negative predictor of positive affect; and that self-expansion is a significant positive predictor of positive affect, and a significant negative predictor of loneliness. Loneliness emerged as a mediator in the relationship between perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, self-expansion, and all mental well-being outcome variables. These findings indicate that perceived pet insensitivity, attachment, and self-expansion may play an important yet neglected role in well-being outcomes.

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals from owners who tested positive for COVID-19 in the Valley of Mexico

BackgroundLittle is known about the companion animals which tested positive in Mexico for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Due to this, it is that we have documented the infection of companion animals, via an exploratory approach in two localities of the Valley of Mexico, in which the companion animal owners tested positive for COVID-19.MethodsOropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 21 companion animals. Also, a Reverse-Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to test five probes in three SARS-CoV-2 genes. More than one-third (5/14) of these samples were positive for SARS CoV-2 corresponding to dogs.ResultsThis research translates into the first available report on companion animals with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the most populated area of Mexico. Samples were added chronologically to previous reports prepared in other areas of the country, from February through November 2022.ConclusionAlthough SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs is not as common as in other animals, our results suggest that it can be transmitted to dogs by their owners to a greater extent than previously reported.

Influence of Species Preference and Owner Gender on Attachment to Animals: French-Translated Validated Questionnaires

Abstract Companion animal ownership has been reported to be beneficial for human health. Attachment is an important mechanism involved in interpersonal relationships and potentially in health concerns. In this study, we investigated the influence of companion animal species and owners’ gender on owners’ attachment to their animals. To do this, we validated the French translation of the Pet Attachment Questionnaire (Zilcha-Mano et al., 2011), the Attachment Figure Questionnaire, and the Closeness and Care scales (Kurdek, 2008). Our translations have the requisite psychometric properties, high internal consistency, structure, and temporal stability. Women had significantly higher scores than men in several attachment dimensions and closeness. Owners preferring a cat had higher avoidance and lower attachment figure scores than owners preferring a dog. It is not yet clear what causes these differences; we recommend more investigations into specific aspects of attachment to companion animals.

Zoonoses in Unconventional Companion Animals

Abstract The keeping of unconventional companion animals represents a special area of animal husbandry. While formerly reserved for zoological institutions, nowadays more and more unconventional companion animals can be found in the care of private owners. Due to the special nature and requirements of these animals, there are people who demand legal restrictions of these husbandries. One point often mentioned in this regard is the risks of zoonoses, which are said to be higher than with classical companion animals. Considering this argument, a conflict emerges between private rights of companion animal owners and the interests of public safety. With the help of a balancing of interests, this conflict can be examined more closely and an initial assessment of the justification for restrictions can be made.

It was one of the worst days of my life: Companion animal owners’ experiences of the Edgecumbe 2017 flood in Aotearoa New Zealand

In April 2017, the largest companion animal rescue in New Zealand history at that time was mounted to save hundreds of animals who were left behind inside the flooded township of Edgecumbe. This significant event prompted a study examining evacuation behaviour and the influence of pets on evacuation processes. An online survey was conducted, involving 212 households (35.5%) to gather data on their experiences and actions during the emergency. The results revealed that households with family emergency plans that incorporated pets' needs had a significantly higher percentage of evacuating at least some of their pets (94.1%) compared to those without such plans (50%) (p-value = 0.015). Interestingly, illegal re-entry rates were not different between participants who evacuated with all pets and those who left some or all pets behind (p-value = 0.161). However, the primary reason for attempted unlawful re-entry was to care for or rescue their animals. These findings confirm that evacuee behaviours in New Zealand are consistent with similar studies conducted in other countries. This consistency suggests that non-compliant emergency and evacuation behaviour should be addressed by implementing animal-inclusive law and policy. By incorporating the needs of animals in emergency management, both humans and animals can benefit from improved safety and well-being during disasters. This study highlights the importance of considering pets in emergency planning and the need for policy changes to better protect both people and their companion animals during emergencies.

Recognizing Zooeyia to Promote Companion Animal Welfare in Urban Bangladesh.

The One Health concept of zooeyia refers to the benefits of companion animals in human health and is gaining global research attention. This exploratory study aimed to understand contemporary experiences and perceptions of the social benefits and challenges of living with a companion animal in urban Bangladesh. Thirty-five qualitative interviews were conducted with companion animal owners (20), animal sellers (10), and livestock service department officers (5) from two major cities in Bangladesh, Dhaka and Khulna. Thematic analysis found that historically, animals had a utilitarian purpose, such as livestock for food and dogs for security. The role and perceptions of companion animals began to change for some around the turn of the century. Today, companion animal caretakers report social, psychological and physical health benefits from integrating companion animals into their lives. They also report that companion animal ownership can contribute to social problems due to the prevailing stigma against companion animals. This is rooted in the continued utilitarian role attached to companion animals by the majority of the Bangladesh population as well as religious-based non-acceptance. As a result, the Animal Welfare Act (2019) is not well implemented, posing a key concern for companion animal welfare. To tackle this, we propose various ways in which the emerging concept of zooeyia can help promote the welfare of companion animals by challenging the stigma associated with them in Bangladesh.

Perceptions of the rabbit as a low investment 'starter pet' lead to negative impacts on its welfare: Results of two Danish surveys.

Concerns over compromised companion rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) welfare are widespread. The welfare problems have been linked to the perception of rabbits as low investment 'children's pets.' To test this hypothesis and investigate the current conditions for rabbits, data were gathered from two surveys in 2021: a nationally representative survey of Danish companion animal owners (Survey I) and a detailed social media-based survey of Danish rabbit owners (Survey II). Using logistic regression, three owner-related variables (whether a child/adult was responsible for care of the rabbit, owner-opinion on rabbits' suitability as 'starter pets' and willingness-to-pay [WTP] for veterinary treatment) were employed to investigate the effect of rabbit status on owner-provision of selected husbandry conditions. The 76 (Survey I) and 4,335 (Survey II) responses suggested that most rabbits are acquired for children and are solitarily housed, and that many are kept in cages of an unsuitable size and not checked daily. Owners who perceived rabbits as 'starter pets' and with lower WTP were more likely to house rabbits in restricted space and to not provide continuous gnawing opportunities, ad libitum hay or routine healthcare. A child fulfilling the role of the rabbit's main caretaker was also associated with inadequate housing type and fewer gnawing opportunities. Thus, many rabbits live in unsuitable conditions, and owners who perceive rabbits as low investment 'children's pets' are more likely to not provide recommended resources. Changing owners' perceptions of rabbits and promoting suitable husbandry through official education programmes and minimum requirements is important if there are to be improvements made to rabbit welfare.

Older Adult Companion Animal-Owner Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Exploration

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic placed older adults at a disproportionate risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness and subsequent reduced wellbeing. Evidence suggests companion animals may have the capacity to provide social support, reduce loneliness, and improve wellbeing in older adults. Using a cross-sectional design and online/phone semi-structured survey methodology, this qualitative study explored how companion animal ownership impacted the subjective wellbeing of 177 (89.8% female) older adult companion animal owners aged 65–84 years (M = 70.72, SD = 4.5) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. A template thematic analysis indicated older adult companion animal owners perceived their companion animals to provide mental, social, and physical wellbeing benefits during the pandemic. Participants found providing care for their companion animals offered a light-hearted reprieve from pandemic fears while bringing a crucial sense of motivation and purpose to their days. Participants considered that their companion animals provided “COVID-safe” tactile comfort, social support, and companionship, while older adults also found pleasure forming attachments with wild animals during the pandemic, a novel finding in companion animal research. Our findings suggest that older adults facing barriers to companion animal ownership, including those living in retirement villages, residential aged care facilities, and hospital settings, may gain mental health benefits from forming attachments with wild animals, without being burdened with the sole responsibility of providing full time care for a companion animal. Furthermore, our findings provide evidence to support the creation of two novel theoretical mechanisms of human–animal interactions for further investigation: the motivation and purpose theory and the reprieve theory.

반려동물 스마트 웨어러블 디바이스에 대한 실태 조사

Objective: This study is to identify factors to be focused on when developing smart wearable devices for companion animals by analyzing the usage status and improvement requirements of wearable devices used by dogs.<BR><BR>Background: The number of households with companion animals is increasing due to changes in the social environment, such as a low birth rate, an aging population, the expansion of single-person households, and the daily use of telecommuting. Accordingly, the global companion animal market and industry are growing rapidly. However, research on wearable devices for companion animals is still in its infancy, and compared to research on other wearable devices, it has not been very active. In particular, there is very little research on the actual needs of companion animal owners.<BR><BR>Method: A survey was conducted among dog owners who currently own small dogs who know about or have experience using smart wearable devices. The overall usage status of wearable devices for dogs, such as main functions, satisfaction, and ease of operation, was investigated for 428 dog owners. In addition, the overall perception of the device and factors necessary for new device development were evaluated.<BR><BR>Results: The main function of the device currently being used was health care, which accounted for the highest rate, and information acquisition and purchase routes were mainly made through the introduction of companion animal clubs. The purchase price range was mainly between 50,000 and 150,000 won. Satisfaction with normal operation was high, but satisfaction with price was evaluated as rather low. It was found that when developing a new device, it should be possible to measure the amount of exercise and ECG, and it should be easy to attach and detach, and it should be excellent in wearability and functionality.<BR><BR>Conclusion: Currently, the demand for wearable devices for companion animals is high, but there is a shortage of smart wearable devices under development. Therefore, it was confirmed that it is urgent to develop a device that reflects the needs of companion animal owners.<BR><BR>Application: It is judged that the results of this study can be used as basic data to help develop smart wearable devices for companion animals.

Quality of the Human–Animal Bond and Mental Wellbeing During a COVID-19 Lockdown

ABSTRACT Companion animal ownership has been associated with a wide variety of physical and psychological health benefits. The extent to which a person gains any welfare advantages from the animal in their care, however, may be related to a wide variety of factors, one of which is the quality of the human–animal relationship. Thus far, little attention has been devoted to the role of attachment to one's companion animal on psychological wellbeing during a global pandemic, a time when mental health has been shown to be extremely poor. Therefore this study aimed to explore the relationship between the quality of the companion animal–human bond and mental wellbeing during a period of COVID-19-induced national lockdown in the United Kingdom. A purpose-designed online survey that aimed to measure sociodemographic background, companion animal ownership status, attachment level, and various components of mental wellbeing (depression, loneliness, positive experience, stress) was developed and completed by 249 UK-based adults (146 companion animal owners, 103 non-owners). Analysis revealed no significant relationship between companion animal ownership and any of the mental health outcome measures. Attachment to one's companion animal, however, was found to be a strong predictor of mental wellbeing, with higher bonds of attachment associated with higher levels of depression, loneliness, and lower levels of positive experience. Attachment to one's companion animal was not significantly associated with participants’ stress levels. Overall, findings from this study point to emotional vulnerability in people who are highly attached to their companion animal, although limitations must be borne in mind. This is an area worthy of further exploration, particularly considering the pandemic-induced rise in the number of people who have acquired a companion animal and the increment in mental health problems that has been predicted to emerge from COVID-19.

Breaching the Cordon: Perceptions of Emergency Response from Companion Animal Owners in the Edgecumbe 2017 Flood

Breaching the Cordon: Perceptions of Emergency Response from Companion Animal Owners in the Edgecumbe 2017 Flood

The Perceived Impact of The First UK COVID-19 Lockdown on Companion Animal Welfare and Behaviour: A Mixed-Method Study of Associations with Owner Mental Health.

Background: Companion animals may be a positive presence for their owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the welfare of a companion animal is strongly influenced by the behaviour of their owners, as well as their physical and social environment. We aimed to investigate the reported changes in companion animal welfare and behaviour and to examine the association between these changes and companion animal owners’ mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020 (n = 5926). The questionnaire included validated, bespoke items measuring outcomes related to mental health, human-animal bonds and reported changes in animal welfare and behaviour. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe experiences associated with human-animal relationships during the first UK lockdown phase. Results: Animal owners made up 89.8% of the sample (n = 5323), of whom 67.3% reported changes in their animal’s welfare and behaviour during the first lockdown phase (n = 3583). These reported changes were reduced to a positive (0–7) and negative (0–5) welfare scale, following principal component analysis (PCA) of 17 items. Participants reported more positive changes for cats, whereas more negative changes were reported for dogs. Thematic analysis identified three main themes relating to the positive and negative impact on companion animals of the COVID-19 pandemic. Generalised linear models indicated that companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores pre-lockdown reported fewer negative changes in animal welfare and behaviour. However, companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores since lockdown reported more changes, both positive and negative, in animal welfare and behaviour. Conclusion: Our findings extend previous insights into perceived welfare and behaviour changes on a very limited range of species to a wider range of companion animals. Owner mental health status has a clear, albeit small, effect on companion animal welfare and behaviour.

Socialisation: is it the ‘be all and end all’ of creating resilience in companion animals?

A lack of socialisation is often referred to as a predisposing factor for the problem behaviours that companion animal owners report in their cats and dogs. Yet, many of the kittens and puppies that found new homes during 2020 will have experienced limitations in, or disruptions to, their opportunities for socialisation as a result of the complexities of the ‘normal’ environment both inside and outside their homes. This article examines the terms ‘socialisation’ and ‘socialise’ that are often used interchangeably when discussing the social competencies of companion animals. In addition, it considers the likely outcome of limited opportunities for comprehensive socialisation for the kittens and puppies of 2020, and whether such shortcomings in early development may be overcome.

The Influence of Human-Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human-Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare.

Simple SummaryThis review outlines the latest in a succession of updates of the Five Domains Model, which, at each stage, incorporated contemporary verified scientific thinking of relevance to animal welfare assessment. The current update includes, within the structure of the Model, specific guidance on how to evaluate the negative and/or positive impacts of human behaviour on animal welfare. Persons whose actions may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, livestock handlers, owners of draught animals, veterinary care staff, pound/shelter staff, zoo-keepers, wildlife managers, hunters, researchers, companion animal owners, owners of sport/recreational animals, animal trainers and service animal handlers. Situations where human–animal interactions may have negative welfare impacts include: when animals have had little or no prior human contact, when human presence adds to already threatening circumstances, when human actions are directly unpleasant, threatening and/or noxious, when humans’ prior actions are remembered as being aversive or noxious and when the actions of bonded humans cause unintended harms. In contrast, situations where human–animal interactions may have positive welfare impacts include: when the companionable presence of humans provides company and feelings of safety, when humans provide preferred foods, tactile contacts and/or training reinforcements, when humans participate in enjoyable routine activities or in engaging variable activities, when the presence of familiar humans is calming in threatening circumstances and when humans act to end periods of deprivation, inhibition or harm. The explicit delineation within the Model of the potential impacts of human interactions on the welfare of animals enhances the Model’s utility. Additional updates in this latest version are also explained.Throughout its 25-year history, the Five Domains Model for animal welfare assessment has been regularly updated to include at each stage the latest authenticated developments in animal welfare science thinking. The domains of the most up-to-date Model described here are: 1 Nutrition, 2 Physical Environment, 3 Health, 4 Behavioural Interactions and 5 Mental State. The first four domains focus attention on factors that give rise to specific negative or positive subjective experiences (affects), which contribute to the animal’s mental state, as evaluated in Domain 5. More specifically, the first three domains focus mainly on factors that disturb or disrupt particular features of the body’s internal stability. Each disturbed or disrupted feature generates sensory inputs which are processed by the brain to form specific negative affects, and these affects are associated with behaviours that act to restore the body’s internal stability. As each such behaviour is essential for the survival of the animal, the affects associated with them are collectively referred to as “survival-critical affects”. In contrast, Domain 4, now named Behavioural Interactions, focusses on evidence of animals consciously seeking specific goals when interacting behaviourally with (1) the environment, (2) other non-human animals and (3) as a new feature of the Model outlined here, humans. The associated affects, evaluated via Domain 5, are mainly generated by brain processing of sensory inputs elicited by external stimuli. The success of the animals’ behavioural attempts to achieve their chosen goals is reflected in whether the associated affects are negative or positive. Collectively referred to as “situation-related affects”, these outcomes are understood to contribute to animals’ perceptions of their external circumstances. These observations reveal a key distinction between the way survival-critical and situation-related affects influence animals’ aligned behaviours. The former mainly reflect compelling motivations to engage in genetically embedded behavioural responses, whereas the latter mainly involve conscious behavioural choices which are the hallmarks of agency. Finally, numerous examples of human–animal interactions and their attendant affects are described, and the qualitative grading of interactions that generate negative or positive affect is also illustrated.

Study on the Perception of Animal Registration System of the Companion Animal Owners : Focusing on the Pet Attachment Type of Small Dog Owners

Study on the Perception of Animal Registration System of the Companion Animal Owners : Focusing on the Pet Attachment Type of Small Dog Owners

A National Survey of Companion Animal Owners' Self-Reported Methods of Coping Following Euthanasia.

(1) Background: The human–animal bond is often regarded as a special relationship in which owners benefit from unconditional love and perceived understanding from their companion animal. Thus, end-of-life decisions such as euthanasia may inflict significant emotional impact upon the companion animal owner and result in a complicated grief response. The purpose of this study was to examine the methods American companion animal owners utilize to cope with loss following companion animal euthanasia. (2) Methods: A total of 340 companion animal owners with experience euthanizing a companion animal completed an online survey asking how they found comfort after the loss of their companion animal. (3) Results: A total of 74.7% noted that they mourned privately, 58.2% sought social support, 32.1% adopted a new companion animal, 12.4% relied on faith or prayer and 0.9% participated in a support group. (4) Conclusions: Grief associated with companion animal loss is important. As a majority of clients that euthanized their companion animal mourn privately, the veterinary community must work towards identifying and providing appropriate, accessible social resources for bereaved companion animal owners to utilize, if desired.