Published in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, K. Burns, J. Dwyer, J. Coe, Gloriana C. Y. Tam, and Samantha N. R. Wong conducted a qualitative pilot study examining how veterinarians approach dog walking counseling during routine veterinary care. Dog walking is widely recognized as beneficial for both canine and human health and aligns with the principles of One Health, yet participation rates remain suboptimal.
The study involved 17 veterinarians licensed to provide canine care in Ontario, who participated in individual in-person or telephone interviews conducted in 2015. Using thematic analysis, the researchers analyzed interview transcripts to identify recurring themes related to attitudes, experiences, and challenges in counseling clients about dog walking.
Participants consistently described dog walking as important for dogs and owners alike, emphasizing physical, social, and mental health benefits. Veterinarians viewed walking as a simple yet effective way to support canine welfare, strengthen the human–dog bond, and promote owner well-being.
Despite this positive perspective, veterinarians reported several barriers to dog walking counseling. These included owners’ lack of compliance or physical limitations, dogs’ behavioral issues, and time constraints or low prioritization of dog walking during veterinary appointments. Such factors often limited the depth or frequency of counseling discussions.
Notably, participants also highlighted that dog walking was largely absent from their formal veterinary education. This lack of training contributed to uncertainty about how best to counsel clients and integrate dog walking advice into routine practice.
The authors conclude that these findings can inform veterinary education and continuing professional development. By addressing educational gaps and practical barriers, veterinarians may be better equipped to promote dog walking as a shared health behavior that benefits animals, owners, and society.
Burns, K., Dwyer, J., Coe, J., Tam, G. C. Y., & Wong, S. N. R. (2018). Qualitative pilot study of veterinarians’ perceptions of and experiences with counseling about dog walking in companion-animal practice in southern Ontario. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, published October 4, 2018.
