Chiang Mai, Thailand, 18.07.2025
Many prospective dog owners anticipate more benefits than challenges—highlighting a gap between expectations and real-life dog ownership.
Do future dog owners have realistic expectations? A 2018 study published in PLoS ONE surveyed 3,465 prospective adopters across Australia to uncover their anticipated benefits and challenges of dog ownership.
Respondents expected increased walking (89%), happiness (89%), reduced stress (74%), companionship (61%), and less loneliness (61%). On the downside, they anticipated greater responsibility (64%) and the need for dog training (62%).
Interestingly, ownership history significantly influenced perceptions: people who had previously or currently owned dogs were more likely to expect benefits and less likely to anticipate challenges. This may reflect a selective memory bias based on past positive experiences.
The researchers emphasize the need for public education to align expectations with the realities of dog ownership and reduce the number of dogs later surrendered to shelters.
Expectations for dog ownership: Perceived physical, mental and psychosocial health consequences among prospective adopters
