When the going gets tough: Surveys of dedicated pet owners on emotions and lifestyles with their pets
The following paper was presented at the Australian National Getting 2 Zero Summit 2017. Scroll down to watch the video.
Summarising the results from this pet owner survey
Dedicated pet owners may remain attached to their companion animals, regardless of any negative life experiences. Online surveys of these owners revealed that experiences such as the difficulty of finding rental properties, the impact of pet laws, the costs of pet ownership and any human relationship breakdowns had little impact on the human-animal relationship. Behaviour problems were the most commonly experienced negative aspect of pet ownership, followed by lack of time available by dog owners and the influence of other animals on cats.
Ninety-six percent of Australian cat and dog owners love their pet and similar results were found with overseas pet owners. The use of products, services and interactions with their pets provide insights into how and why these dedicated pet owners maintain their relationship with their pet within their homes and may be less likely to surrender their pet when the going gets tough.
Bio: Dr Jo Righetti
Dr Jo Righetti is an animal behaviour consultant, and through her business Pet Problems Solved, provides services to pet owners, vet clinics, animal shelters, local governments, universities, commercial companies and media around Australia. Jo is a proud Ambassador of Animal Welfare League; Assistance Dogs Australia and Nestle Purina. Dr Jo’s latest project is a radio show, Talking Pets, where she is joined by animal experts, business owners and pet lovers on live radio and pet podcasts. Jo enjoys chatting to people about their pets on social media channels and lives with 4 cats, a dog and several chickens.