The State of the American Pet Survey
Submitted on Apr 24, 2007 (Original item from August 3-23, 2001)
Companion Animals | Pet Overpopulation | Pet Ownership
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Short Description:
This Purina-sponsored study found that pet owners are highly committed to their pets, although some areas of concern were identified: Although owners consider their pet's health to be good, veterinarians seem to disagree; Owners consider their pets to be well-behaved, but still note behavioral issues such as scratching furniture, etc; Pet owners are concerned with pet overpopulation but do not act accordingly.
Abstract:
According to 68% of dog owners and 61% of cate owners, companionship is the greatest benefit of owning a pet.
The top challenges to dog ownership are:
- Obedience training (15%)
- Health (15%)
- Cleaning up (10%)
- Ownership responsibility (10%)
The biggest challenges among cat owners are:
- Health (13%)
- Cleaning up (13%)
- Ownership responsibility (7%)
- Obedience training (5%)
Pet owners with children face different challenges and spend less time with their pet. Compared to those without children at home, those with children under 18 at home:
- More often own both cats and dogs (25% v. 18%)
- More often own younger pets, less than 7 years of age (73% v. 58%)
- Are less likely to groom their pet daily (79% v. 27%)
- Are less likely to celebrate their pets birthday (33% v 38%)
- Are less likely to vacation with their pet (28% v 33%)
- Are less likely to take their pets to stores, restaurants, etc. (8% v 11%)
78% of dog owners and 71% of cat owners rely on their veterinarian as their primary source of pet information.
On average, dog owners visit their vet more frequently than cat owners, and also pet owners without children visit their vets more frequently than those without.
In general, pet owners say their pets are well-behaved. 97% of dog owners say their dog is well behaved, however, the biggest problems with dogs are:
- Barking and growling (17%)
- Jumping on people (13%)
- Begging for food (11%)
97% of cat owners say their cat is well-behaved, but the biggest problems are:
- Clawing furniture (20%)
- Climbing on furniture or counters (16%)
- Eliminating in the house outside the litterbox (10%)
Dog and cat owners handle behavioral problems similarly, with scolding being the most frequently used method of discipline.
21% of dog owners and 30% of cat owners have solved their pet's problem.
The largest health problems experienced by dog owners are:
- Fleas and ticks (6%)
- Ear infections (6%)
- Allergies (5%)
The largest health problems experienced by cat owners are:
- Hairballs (6%)
- Fleas and ticks (5%)
- Urinary tract infections (4%)
One third of pet owners give their pets medicine, while slightly fewer take their pets to the vet also.
The majority of dog owners (57%) and cat owners (62%) say their pet's health problem has been solved. Some pet owners have used alternative methods for treating their pets, including nutritional supplements and massage.
34% of dog owners and 15% of cat owners have not had their pet spayed or neutered. Reasons for not doing so by dog owners include:
- Haven't gotten to it (30%)
- Want to breed (21%)
- Too young (3%)
Reasons for not having done so by cat owners include:
- Haven't gotten to it (27%)
- Cat is too young (20%)
- Can't afford (18%)
The most important issue to pet owners is:
- Reducing pet overpopulation
- Promoting a pet friendly society
- Preventative healthcare
- Increasing funding for research to promote pet health
Spot Check Number:
380
Sponsor:
Healthy Pets 21 Consortium of the Purina Pet Institute
Animal Type:
Companion Animals
Record Type:
Research Study
Research Method:
Telephone Survey
Geographic Region:
United States National
Number of Participants:
2001
Population Descriptors:
Pet Owners
Year Conducted:
August 3-23, 2001
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