In late 2011, American Humane Association’s Animal Welfare Research Institute launched the innovative Keeping Pets (Dogs and Cats) in Homes: A Three-Phase Retention Study.
Research indicates that of the 117.5 million households in this country, only 46.3 million own a dog and 38.9 million own a cat. Understanding the reasons for pet ownership and relinquishment is needed to develop a strategy for reducing the number of homeless pets and lowering euthanasia rates. As with all of our work, scientific facts will guide us toward potential solutions.
With generous support from PetSmart Charities, Inc., the first phase—Reasons for Not Owning a Dog or Cat—was completed in 2012. During Phase 1, our researchers interviewed 1,500 adult Americans who either owned a dog or cat at one time but no longer do so, or those who have never had an animal in their home (but may have had pets as children).
Our goal was to learn why many Americans are not pet owners and if they are open to possible ownership in the future. We found that there are a myriad of barriers to pet ownership including the associated costs, perceived lack of time to care for an animal, and the grief over the loss of a previous pet. As we continue to study and understand the human-animal bond, we need to address grieving, as it was cited as a hindrance for one in five (20%) of previous dog owners and one in six (17%) of previous cat owners, even for those who lost a pet many years ago.
Alternatively, a number of respondents were open to the possibility of dog or cat ownership in the future:
- 45 percent of previous dog owners would consider obtaining another, while 34 percent of previous cat owners were receptive to another cat
- 25 percent of those who have never owned an animal said they were “probably” or “definitely” open to bringing a dog into their family compared to 10 percent for cats
- For future owners, shelters and rescue organizations present the most frequently-cited location for obtaining a new dog or cat—64 percent of previous dog owners and 56 percent of previous cat owners; for those who have never owned an animal, 51 percent said they would rescue or adopt a dog and 42 percent indicated likewise for a cat.
I am now pleased to share with you the published results of Phase 1 of this monumental study. Phase 2 of the study is underway and several of you have provided assistance with design and implementation. We are working with a public animal shelter and private animal shelter in each of three major cities around the country to survey those who have adopted dogs or cats in the last six months. The goal is to determine if new owners still have the animals, and if not, what happened to them.
We are building the roadmap for addressing pet homelessness in our communities. While there is still a long road ahead, I am confident with findings from this study, and other studies being conducted by the Animal Welfare Research Institute under the leadership of Dr. Patricia Olson, we can work on the solutions to make this world a better place for people, pets, and the world we share.
One comment
The reasons against pet ownership these days is very sad and very simple to understand – I have trouble with the fact that this blog finds it puzzling. First off, the expense – the Vets, the Pet Insurance, the forced vaccinations which rob pets of their life – and yet you’re forced to use under government rule or no license and threat of removal of the pet by the gestapo hand – take all the fun out of ownership. The pet foods – mostly laced with poorly GMO modified ingredients make a person purchase more expensive foods – adding to the cost. Then there is the fact that they age so quickly and there is that heartbreak as the pet really never ages as a person – they are always your baby – even in old age as their organs begin to fail. My wife’s dog is 9; but in reality she is 63 as far as her body is concerned – I still remember the day she came home as if it were yesterday. The mixture of woe, concern, and fragility – well, let’s say I have been through it more than once. The $10,000 or so that you can spend to keep the pet never really ends well. They die all too soon.
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