Urban India is experiencing a noticeable shift in how dogs are perceived and integrated into daily life. In a survey of 375 college students from CHRIST (Deemed to be University) in Bangalore, researchers examined attitudes toward both pet and stray dogs. Results showed a strong presence of pet dogs in households or a desire to own one, along with the frequent use of affectionate terms such as “family” and “companion” when referring to pets.
The findings align with patterns observed in societies undergoing the second demographic transition, where the role of animals moves from utility toward companionship and emotional significance. While the trend toward increased affection for dogs was consistent, gender differences emerged: women were more likely to emphasize health and welfare, while men highlighted bravery and risk-taking in relation to dogs.
The study also explored attitudes toward stray dogs, a common presence in urban Indian streets. While stray dogs were often viewed with caution, they were also acknowledged as part of the shared community space. This dual perspective reflects the complexity of balancing public health, safety, and animal welfare concerns in rapidly urbanizing environments.
These insights contribute to the field of anthrozoology by highlighting how cultural, demographic, and gender factors shape human-animal relationships in modern cities.
Source: Shelly Volsche, Meghana Mohan, Peter Gray, Muralidhar Rangaswamy. “An Exploration of Attitudes toward Dogs among College Students in Bangalore, India.” Animals, 9(8), 2019.
