Cited by 43Human-Animal Interaction StudiesCOVID-19 and Mental HealthAnimal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Dog Walking before and during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: experiences of Uk dog owners.

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Owczarczak-Garstecka, Sara C., Graham, Taryn M., Archer, Debra C., Westgarth, Carri·2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impacts of the first COVID-19 UK lockdown on dog walking and ownership. METHODS: An online survey was circulated via social media (May-June 2020). Completed responses (n = 584) were analysed using within- and between-group comparisons, and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were created. Open-ended data were coded into key themes. RESULTS: During lockdown, dogs were walked less frequently, yet for a similar duration per week and closer to home. Dogs whose owners lived alone, or whose owners or household members had heightened vulnerability to COVID-19 were walked less than before, as were high-energy dogs. A minority of owners continued dog walking despite exhibiting symptoms or needing to self-isolate, justifying lack of help, dog behavioural problems, living in less populated areas, and the importance of outdoor exercise for their mental health. Dog ownership had multiple benefits (companionship, purpose and motivation; break from bad; positive to focus on) as well as challenges (changes in dog behaviour, balancing dog needs with public health guidance, accessing pet food/supplies and services, and sharing crowded outdoor spaces with others). Most did not have an emergency care plan for their pet before the pandemic and only a handful developed one. CONCLUSIONS: Findings can be used to inform public health and dog welfare strategies for future lockdown situations or other disasters and emergencies likely to impact on daily routines.

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Authors
Owczarczak-Garstecka, S. C., Graham, T. M., Archer, D. C., & Westgarth, C.
Affiliations
  • Department of Livestock and One Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
  • University of Liverpool (GB)
Corresponding author
Westgarth, Carri
Venue
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2021-06-10
Volume
18
Issue
12
Pages
6315
ISSN
1660-4601 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3171307858
Cited by
43
References
36
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 3
FWCI
5.37
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Human-Animal Interaction Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › COVID-19 and Mental Health
  • Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
Keywords
dog walking, COVID-19 lockdown, dog ownership, human-dog relationship, pet welfare, self-isolation, emergency care planning, outdoor exercise, mental health, living alone, disaster preparedness
MeSH terms
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Animals, Communicable Disease Control, Dogs, United Kingdom, Humans, Ownership, Walking, Pets, Pandemics

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