Why 44% of households have a pet

Within the UK there is an estimated 12 million households with pets. That is 44%. These 12 million homes have around 51 million pets in total. According to news reports the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more people getting the dogs that they have wanted but been putting off. What makes owning a hyper, hungry pooping machine that appealing?

Many studies have shown that dogs are able to comfort people through stressful situations. They have become popular in therapeutic settings, as visitors in hospitals and most recently as a working emotional support dog.

The physical benefits of owning a pet

Health Guide states that people who own pets, particularly dogs, are less likely to suffer with depression, have low blood pressure when they are stressed, elevated serotonin and dopamine as well as lower cholesterol levels. On top of this, people over 65 with a pet make fewer visits to the doctors. The physical benefits of owning an animal are clearly vast.

The social benefits of owning a pet

One mental health charity describes how dogs are ideal for company when trying to combat loneliness. Not only do you get companionship; but security, unconditional love and a routine to pull you out of your daily slumbers. Health guide states that being a responsible owner can help children to grow up to be secure and active. They also describe how walking a dog can lead to social connections being created through a commonality. It must be said that dog walkers are usually the ones that say hello or at least raise a smile when you are out walking.

The emotional benefits of owning a pet

Pet Finder illustrate the way that pets have evolved in ways that allow them to interpret human behaviour. They do this through sensing our tone of voice and body language. These tuned in animals can look into your eyes and see the emotions behind them. This is more than many humans can do! Pet Finder portrays a creature that desperately tries to understand what thoughts and feelings are being experienced by their loved ones so that they can provide support and assistance.

There are very few people who can not see a vulnerable animal and immediately melt. Once the soppy eyes look at you with their deep affection, you are immediately drawn to stroking, hugging and touching the dog which swiftly calms you, regulates your breathing and reminds you that you are important.

Why are people getting dogs now?

With the advent of more home working, lockdowns, furloughs and all other reasons, people are now spending a lot more time at home. The dream of receiving these benefits has become more realistic. As swaths of people experience the feeling of loneliness, they look to a four-legged friend for companionship. 2.6 million people have reported feeling lonely during the pandemic, that is a potential 2.6 million individuals who could potentially get a dog.

Now that there is no reason to leave the house there has been a sharp increase in inactivity amongst society. In fact, Sport England found that there was an increase of 7.4% of people who had stopped being active during the first lockdown compared to the same period in 2019. If motivation is needed to get up and go for a walk, then a dog will certainly encourage this.

What is the problem?

According to Kennel Club research 1 in 4 people who have purchased a puppy since the beginning of COVID-19 have admitted that it was impulsivity that was the driving force. A fifth of the buyers were unsure whether they had made the right decision, citing that they had not considered the time and costs involved as well as the required training.

The Kennel Club found that 24% of puppy buyers think their pup could have been from a puppy farm, less than half researched how to train their new companion and just over half do not know what they will do with their dog when the world returns to some normality.

When these pups become dogs with behavioural issues due to lack of socialisation, when the owner has no time when they return to the office, when the costs of vet bills start to add up, what will happen?

The Kennel Club has launched a #BePuppywise campaign which can help potential new owners to research what they are doing and whether it is truly the right decision long term.

With pups selling in the region of £2,500; puppy farms are rife; chancers are taking the opportunity to steal and sell animals to unsuspecting buyers and the rescue centres will be overflowing within a month of the world reengaging.

Take a moment to think, take a moment to spread the word about #BePuppywise. Can you truly offer that animal who is unconditionally in love with you a forever home?