Information sourcing by dog owners in the UK: Resource selection and perceptions of knowledge

Abstract

Background: Dogs are a popular pet in the UK. Information resources utilised by dog owners can influence welfare at acquisition and throughout a dog's lifetime. This study determined where UK dog owners source information, and how perceptions relating to pedigree dog breeding and health may influence this process. Methods: This cross-sectional study used online questionnaires to explore the information resources used by dog owners and their perceptions of veterinary surgeons' and dog breeders' knowledge. Results: Overall, 1336 responses were collected (useable responses: 1167). Data indicated most owners conducted research before getting a dog, with the internet, books, breeders and friends or family among the most popular resources used. Preferred sources of information during a dogs' lifetime included the internet, talking to veterinary surgeons and reading books. Veterinary surgeons were the most popular source for health advice. Pedigree dog owners perceived veterinary surgeons and breeders to be equally knowledgeable on canine inherited diseases. However, veterinary surgeons were perceived as being more knowledgeable on inherited disease screening programmes and breeders more knowledgeable on dog breeding. Conclusion:This study highlights the information resources preferred by dog owners, providing an opportunity to maximise access to reliable sources of information to improve dog welfare. K E Y W O R D Sdog breeding knowledge, dog owner advice, dog owner information, pet care websites, pet prepurchase information, puppy owner information

Why Do People Want Dogs? A Mixed-Methods Study of Motivations for Dog Acquisition in the United Kingdom

“…The current study also identified friends or family as an important reported influence in the decision to get a dog. This is in line with findings from previous research that highlight the influential role friends or family may play in acquisition decisions, for instance as a common source of pre-acquisition information, as well as influencing decisions around breed choice ( 11 , 61 ). Understanding the nuances of discussions between potential dog owners and their family and friends would be a worthwhile aim of future research which may enable the development of more targeted interventions to promote responsible decision-making around dog acquisition.…”

“…Previous evidence suggests that although almost half of UK pet owners (45%) would be interested in a pre-acquisition consultation with a veterinarian, only 3% had already had one ( 67 ). To maximize potential impact, future interventions developed to achieve this aim could usefully consider the other information sources people commonly use prior to acquisition, which include websites, books, and friends and family ( 61 ).…”

Going beyond ‘educating': using behaviour change frameworks to help pet owners make evidence‐based welfare decisions

“…Kuhl and colleagues' data, gathered in 2013, show that internet sources were owners' preferred route to accessing canine health and welfare information. 10 This finding is corroborated by a more recent review article describing factors affecting the decision making of prospective pet dog owners, which highlighted the importance of the internet as a source of information. 11 Similarly, a survey conducted with UK-based dog owners and prospective owners in 2019 confirmed that owners most commonly consulted online sources of information before acquiring a dog.…”

“…In a study summarised on p 415 of this issue of Vet Record, Kuhl and colleagues investigated how prospective dog owners source information relating to acquiring a dog and how their pre-existing perceptions of the knowledge of various stakeholders (eg, vets and breeders) may influence this information-seeking behaviour. 10 Their findings provide insight into aspects of both capability, in the form of knowledge, and opportunity, in terms of the sourcing/routes of access to that knowledge.…”

“…Anecdotally, however, it appears that the first contact between an owner and the veterinary practice is typically when they come to register the puppy they have already purchased. In COM-B terms, Kuhl and colleagues' findings 10 indicate that owners have sufficient capability, in that they recognise vets' ability to provide prepurchase health and welfare information. However, it is not clear what might be preventing prospective dog Veterinary professionals are well placed to provide owners with evidencebased information on a broad range of dog welfare-related topics, including purchase decisions.…”