"Do Your Homework as Your Heart Takes over When You Go Looking": Factors Associated with Pre-Acquisition Information-Seeking among Prospective UK Dog Owners.

Animals (Basel). March 2023;13(6):.

Rebecca Mead¹, Katrina E Holland², Rachel A Casey³, Melissa M Upjohn⁴, Robert M Christley⁵

¹ Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ, UK.; ² Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ, UK.; ³ Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ, UK.; ⁴ Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ, UK.; ⁵ Dogs Trust, 17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ, UK.

Abstract

The factors influencing why and how people decide to acquire a dog are not well understood and little is known about the extent to which prospective owners undertake preparatory research. This study aimed to better understand what factors influence whether prospective dog owners in the UK conduct preparatory research. A 2019 online survey of current (n = 8050) and potential (n = 2884) dog owners collected quantitative and qualitative data. Additional qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with current (n = 166) and potential (n = 10) dog owners. Of the current owners surveyed, 54% stated that they had looked for advice or information prior to acquiring their dog. Of potential owners, 68% reported already having looked for information, while a further 14% were planning to undertake research prior to acquiring a dog. Those with previous dog ownership experience were less likely to undertake pre-acquisition research, as were those who had worked with dogs. Demographic factors were also associated with the likelihood of conducting pre-acquisition research, with younger prospective owners being more likely to have undertaken research, as well as those with formal education qualifications. Among current owners, pre-acquisition research was more likely among those who acquired their dog through a breeder; a specific breed or a mix of two breeds; or as a puppy. Qualitative data were consistent with and added additional understanding and context to these findings. Almost half of current owners did not conduct pre-acquisition research, highlighting the need for increased awareness of its importance and the development of targeted interventions to encourage this activity. Understanding the different factors that influence whether dog owners undertake research may be of interest to animal welfare and veterinary organisations, in order to inform interventions to better prepare people for dog acquisition.

Keywords

dog acquisition; dogs; pre-acquisition behaviours; pre-acquisition research; preparatory research;

Article Tools:

Medline

Email to me

Archives Highlights:

A review of adverse events in animals and children after secondary exposure to transdermal hormone-containing medicinal products.
The clinical signs reported in animals included persistent signs of oestrus, poor growth rate, and birth defects. In humans, reported clinical signs included precocious puberty, unresolved virilisation, accelerated growth rate, and female infertility.

Surgical Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Cats.
The aim of the present review is to describe in detail the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract in cats, highlighting the anatomical regions of significant importance in different surgical procedures.

"Do Your Homework as Your Heart Takes over When You Go Looking": Factors Associated with Pre-Acquisition Information-Seeking among Prospective UK Dog Owners.
Of potential owners, 68% reported already having looked for information, while a further 14% were planning to undertake research prior to acquiring a dog. Those with previous dog ownership experience were less likely to undertake pre-acquisition research, as were those who had worked with dogs. Among current owners, pre-acquisition research was more likely among those who acquired their dog through a breeder; a specific breed or a mix of two breeds; or as a puppy.

Human Injuries Associated with the Transport of Horses by Road.
There were 112/1067 (10.5%) handlers injured while preparing (13/112), loading (39/112), traveling (6/112), or unloading (33/112). Of these, 40% had multiple injury types, and 33% had several body regions affected. Hand injuries were most common (46%), followed by the foot (25%), arm (17%), and head or face (15%). Median recovery time was 7 days.

Urinary Tract Trauma in Cats: Stabilisation, Diagnosis and Management.
This review summarises the current knowledge available from a number of original articles and textbook chapters in the literature that cover all aspects of feline urinary tract trauma, and is supported by the authors' own clinical experience.