Expectations for dog ownership: Perceived physical, mental and psychosocial health consequences among prospective adopters.

ABSTRACT: Dog ownership is popular worldwide, with most human-dog dyads forming successful attachment bonds. However, millions of dogs are surrendered to animal shelters annually, possibly due to mismatches between owner expectations and the realities of dog ownership. The aim of the current study was to explore the benefits and challenges people expect from dog ownership and how these expectations vary with previous ownership history. An Australian-wide sample of 3465 prospective adopters completed a self-administered online questionnaire about the physical, mental and psychosocial health benefits and challenges they associated with dog ownership. Among the potential benefits, respondents expected increased walking (89%), happiness (89%) and companionship (61%) and decreased stress (74%) and loneli

SUBMITTER: Powell L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6034856 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature