The Real Costs and Benefits of Owning a Dog: New Study Reveals Insights

A recent study from Eötvös Loránd University sheds light on the multifaceted costs and benefits of owning a dog, revealing insights into the emotional, physical and financial aspects of pet ownership.

Are dogs really the key to better health and a happier life? A new study conducted by researchers in the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) delved into the multifaceted experiences of dog owners, uncovering both the joys and challenges of dog ownership.

In the first phase of the study, dog owners were asked to evaluate 33 neutrally-phrased statements about pet dogs, ranging from “Dogs need to be trained and educated” to “Dogs can bring mess and dirt into the house.” The participants rated these statements on a scale from -3 (big disadvantage) to +3 (big advantage).

The results showed that the belief that dogs brighten people’s lives was the highest-rated item, while the short lifespan of dogs was the most negatively rated aspect.

Lead author Laura Gillet, a doctoral student at ELTE, explained that the study revealed three main components of dog ownership. The first encompassed the emotional, physical and social benefits:.

“We were also interested to see if all of these facets of dog ownership could group together into bigger components,” she said in a news release.

The second component focused on negative emotions and practical challenges, such as behavioral issues or long-term medical conditions.

The third component, which divided dog owners the most, related to the commitment and responsibilities involved in dog ownership, affecting daily routines and quality of sleep.

In open-ended responses, 60% of dog owners cited the meaningful and valued relationship with their pets as the biggest benefit.

“Dogs were often described as honest, devoted and supportive social partners, showing unconditional, selfless love to their human family,” added Eniko Kubinyi, head of the Department of Ethology at ELTE and principal investigator of the MTA-ELTE ‘Momentum’ Companion Animal Research Group.

Additionally, 31% of respondents mentioned daily life benefits, like increased physical activity and outdoor time.

However, the overwhelming majority of owners (95%) identified financial costs as the biggest drawback, specifically veterinary expenses and feeding costs. Emotional and practical costs were less frequently mentioned.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, highlights the importance of understanding both the positive and negative aspects of dog ownership. Informing potential dog owners about these experiences could lead to more conscious and prepared adoption choices, ultimately improving the well-being of both humans and their dogs.

This study underscores the complexity of pet ownership and encourages further research. The authors are currently conducting a new study to deepen the understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of dog ownership. Dog owners globally are invited to participate through this questionnaire.