Pet Survey - Spring 2006

These are the results of our first online survey of dog owners (1907 dog owners took part). Although some questions were difficult for certain categories of owners to answer, it does highlight a few salient points - 1 in 8 admitting that their pets are overweight, and 1 in 4 confessing that they really don't give their dogs (and themselves!) enough exercise. See where you fit in!

There will be another survey in the summer - watch this space!

Q1: How many dogs do you own?

Response

% of Total

Count

One

51.70%

986

Two

29.90%

571

Three

9.50%

182

Four or more

8.80%

168

Not Answered

2

Q2: How old are your dogs?

Response

% of Total

Count

Under 3

51.20%

978

3-5 years

31.20%

596

5-7 years

22.60%

432

Older than 7

34.40%

658

Q3: How would you describe their condition?

Response

% of Total

Count

Thin

1.30%

25

Slightly lean

13.60%

260

Just about right

73.10%

1394

Slightly overweight

11.30%

215

Heavyweight!

0.70%

14

Not Answered

1

Q4: If your dog is short coated, can you see the ribs?

Response

% of Total

Count

Yes

21.40%

395

No

42.10%

778

Not applicable

36.50%

673

Not Answered

63

Q5: Can you feel your dogs ribs easily when you run your hand lightly over the rib cage area?

Response

% of Total

Count

Yes

86.80%

1651

No

13.20%

250

Not Answered

8

Q6: How often in a day do you take your dogs out for exercise?

Response

% of Total

Count

Never

0.80%

16

Once

32.00%

609

Twice

45.20%

862

Three times

16.10%

306

Four or more

5.90%

112

Not Answered

4

Q7: How far would you estimate YOU walk with them?

Response

% of Total

Count

Under 1 mile

13.00%

247

between 1-2 miles

38.50%

730

between 2-3 miles

26.40%

500

between 3-4 miles

12.40%

235

Over 4 miles

9.70%

184

Not Answered

13

Q8: Are they always on a lead?

Response

% of Total

Count

Mainly on a lead

17.00%

322

Mainly free to run

45.70%

867

Bit of both

37.40%

709

Not Answered

11

Q9: Would you say that this amount of exercise is...

Response

% of Total

Count

Not really enough

22.20%

421

Just about right

69.90%

1325

More than adequate

7.90%

150

Not Answered

13

Q10: What age range would you fall into?

Response

% of Total

Count

Under 30

7.70%

147

Between 30 - 45

36.60%

697

Between 46 - 55

28.40%

541

Between 56 - 65

21.70%

413

66 and over

5.60%

106

Not Answered

5