Three Things to Know
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable surge in puppy purchases, often referred to as the “pandemic puppy” phenomenon. Researchers investigated the demographics of both pandemic puppy owners and those who purchased puppies in 2019, examining factors such as motivations and purchasing behaviors.
The study revealed a significant increase in first-time dog ownership. These new owners were more likely to cite mental health benefits as a primary motivation for acquiring a puppy and were often influenced by the increased free time available during lockdowns. However, despite their inexperience, many pandemic puppy owners conducted thorough research and involved their entire household in the decision-making process.
Researchers argue that these pandemic puppy owners may require additional support in the short and long term. The pandemic-related restrictions could have negatively impacted breeding practices, potentially leading to a decline in quality. A review of these practices is necessary to ensure the well-being of both dogs and their owners.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a noticeable The surge in puppy purchases during the pandemic brought a wave of new dog owners, many of whom had no prior experience. While some of these “pandemic puppies” may have unfortunately ended up in shelters, a significant number of them have remained in their homes. These new owners, having successfully navigated the challenges of dog ownership, are now more confident and may be open to becoming future foster parents or adopting another dog.in puppy purchases, often referred to as the “pandemic puppy” phenomenon. Researchers investigated the demographics of both pandemic puppy owners and those who purchased puppies in 2019, examining factors such as motivations and purchasing behaviors.
For shelter professionals, it’s crucial to recognize this potential pool of new volunteers and future adopters. By proactively reaching out to these individuals, shelters can tap into a valuable resource and potentially reduce the number of animals entering their care.
Veterinarians, dog trainers, and community organizations also have a vital role to play in supporting these new dog owners. Recognize pandemic puppy owners are different and require more hand holding in training, behaviours, and veterinary care. Start thinking about the long-term needs of these dogs, such as senior care and end-of-life services.
The Full Picture
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in the UK on March 23, 2020, led to a significant increase in puppy purchases, often referred to as the “Pandemic Puppy” phenomenon.
This heightened demand raised concerns about the source of puppies, with fears that people might turn to unethical sources. Furthermore, impulsive purchases driven by emotional factors and a desire for immediate companionship were prevalent, increasing the risk of acquiring a puppy without proper consideration of the long-term commitment required for dog ownership.
Even before the pandemic, puppy-purchasing habits in the UK were concerning. Many prospective owners neglected crucial steps like meeting the mother dog (the dam), researching the breed, and reviewing health records. This lack of due diligence made buyers vulnerable to unscrupulous sellers, potentially compromising the health and welfare of the puppies.
This study, titled “Pandemic Puppies: Characterising Motivations and Behaviours of UK Owners Who Purchased Puppies during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic”, aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the motivations and behaviors of individuals who acquired puppies between March 23 and December 31, 2020. The findings will be compared to similar data from the same period in 2019.
Study Methods
Survey Design
An online questionnaire was developed to investigate the motivations and behaviors of UK puppy purchasers. The survey included five sections:
- Owner demographics (e.g., age, gender, prior dog ownership).
- Puppy demographics (e.g., breed, sex).
- Pre-purchase motivations (e.g., factors influencing breed choice).
- Pre-purchase behaviors (e.g., research conducted).
- Purchase behaviors (e.g., health records requested, cost, parents viewed).
Participant Recruitment
The survey was conducted online between November 10th and December 31st, 2020. Eligible participants were UK residents aged 18 or older who had purchased a puppy under 16 weeks of age between March 23rd and December 31st in either 2019 or 2020. Purchases had to be new acquisitions, excluding rehoming or breeding.
Study Results
1. Owner Demographics
A total of 5,517 valid responses were collected: 20.8% from 2019 and 79.2% from 2020 (“Pandemic Puppies”). Geographic distribution mirrored the UK population, with higher London and lower Scotland prevalence for Pandemic Puppies. Most owners were 25-54-year-old females. Households with Pandemic Puppies often included children (5-10 years old) and were more likely to be single-dog households. Outdoor space access remained similar.
The high proportion of first-time dog owners, 40% compared to 33% in 2019, raises significant concerns regarding the potential for challenges related to inexperienced dog ownership. First-time owners are more likely to have unrealistic expectations, struggle with their responsibilities, and misinterpret common dog behaviors. These factors can increase the risk of relinquishment. Issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, and noise phobias are often reported more frequently by first-time owners, underlining the importance of education and support to prevent welfare and behavioral challenges.
2. Puppy Demographics
Purebred puppies were the most common, comprising 72% of the study population. However, the proportion of purebred puppies declined among Pandemic Puppies (78.7% in 2019 vs. 70.3% in 2020), accompanied by a rise in designer crossbreeds. Pandemic Puppy buyers favored breeds or crossbreeds that suited their lifestyle needs, such as small size, ease of training, and suitability for children. This trend reflects a broader global preference for smaller breeds that fit modern lifestyles.
Notably, fewer Pandemic Puppies were registered with The Kennel Club compared to their 2019 counterparts. Sex distribution remained consistent across both years.
3. Pre-Purchase Motivations
The study revealed that while companionship remained the primary motivation for acquiring a dog in both groups, Pandemic Puppy owners sought additional benefits, such as increased exercise, improved mental health, and companionship for children. Decision-making shifted towards household consensus during the pandemic, whereas individual choices were more common in 2019.
Despite the potential benefits of dog ownership during lockdown, increased exposure to dogs during the pandemic was associated with a rise in pediatric dog bite incidents, particularly between May and July 2020. This highlights the importance of educating owners about dog bite risks and promoting safe interactions between children and dogs, as breed alone is not a reliable predictor of bite risk.
A significant portion of households (11.0%) who acquired puppies during the pandemic had not previously considered dog ownership. Moreover, 41.5% of owners explicitly stated that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their decision to purchase a puppy. The primary factor cited was having more time at home to care for a dog (86.7%). This study demonstrates that the surge in puppy purchases during the pandemic was not simply an extension of pre-existing trends, but rather a distinct phenomenon driven by unique pandemic-related factors.
However, this increase in puppy ownership, largely motivated by increased time at home, raises concerns about potential future relinquishment. Lack of time is a well-established factor in dog relinquishment, and as pandemic restrictions ease, owners may find it challenging to accommodate their dog’s needs. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to provide readily accessible support mechanisms, such as training programs that help dogs cope with being left alone and affordable access to quality dog daycare services.
4. Pre-Purchase Behaviors
Despite a higher proportion of first-time owners, Pandemic Puppy owners were more likely (+11%) to conduct pre-purchase research than their 2019 counterparts. Common research sources included friends and family, breed-specific online resources, and The Kennel Club website.
However, Pandemic Puppy owners were more likely to find puppies through animal selling websites or breeder recommendations, less likely to have prior relationships with breeders, and less reliant on The Kennel Club’s Find A Puppy tool or traditional advertising methods. The decision-making process typically spanned 1-6 months, with Pandemic Puppy owners taking slightly longer. Notably, Pandemic Puppy owners were significantly more likely to pay a deposit before seeing their puppy.
Both 2019 and 2020 puppy owners consistently sought breeders who demonstrated care for their dogs. While 2019 owners prioritized health testing, Kennel Club membership, and show prizes, pandemic Puppy buyers placed a stronger emphasis on good communication with breeders. This was likely influenced by increased public awareness of unethical breeding practices, as well as limited access to breeders meeting these specific criteria during the pandemic.
Health testing of breeding dogs is crucial for improving canine health. Yet, fewer Pandemic Puppy owners requested parental health test information for DNA and veterinary screening tests. This decline in demand may inadvertently de-prioritize health considerations among breeders, potentially hindering progress in improving breed welfare. The study underscores the need to foster awareness about the health implications of breeding practices and the risks of impulsive decisions during high-demand periods.
5. Purchase Behaviors
The pandemic significantly altered puppy acquisition practices. In-person breeder visits declined sharply in 2020 (59.6% vs. 80.6% in 2019), with live video calls and photo/video sharing becoming more common. The median number of in-person visits also decreased.
During the pandemic, the most common puppy collection location remained inside the breeder’s home, although there was a significant decrease in this behavior (−33.7%). While most owners remained satisfied with the collection process, the shift towards virtual interactions and alternative collection methods (e.g., doorstep deliveries, neutral locations) raises concerns about transparency and welfare standards.
Furthermore, the pandemic impacted the ability of buyers to see puppies with their mothers and littermates. This shift towards virtual interactions and alternative collection methods may have limited opportunities for buyers to assess the breeding environment and the overall welfare of the puppies.
Pandemic Puppies were often collected at a younger age (67.3% at 7-8 weeks vs. 52.5% in 2019) and at a significantly higher cost, with 24.3% of owners spending between £2,000 and £2,999. This increase likely reflects increased demand and potential exploitation during the pandemic.
These findings underscore the crucial need for increased education and awareness among prospective puppy owners. Emphasizing the importance of in-person visits, seeing puppies with their mothers and littermates in the breeder’s environment, and understanding the potential risks associated with online purchasing are essential for promoting responsible dog ownership and ensuring the welfare of both puppies and their owners.
Conclusion
The pandemic sparked a surge in puppy purchases, driven by a desire for companionship and mental health benefits. While dogs can positively impact well-being, the inexperience of many new owners and the potential for post-pandemic lifestyle changes raise concerns about the long-term welfare of these “Pandemic Puppies”.
In the short term, the ability of owners to continue caring for these now adolescent to young adult dogs as pandemic restrictions ease is concerning, given that many initial purchases were motivated by the increased time available during lockdown. In the medium to long term, welfare risks include behavioral issues linked to unsuitable breeding environments and increased prevalence of breed-related disorders due to neglect of genetic health during purchases.
To address these issues, increased support from animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals, and behavior specialists is crucial. Public education campaigns should continue to promote responsible dog ownership, emphasizing the importance of ethical breeding practices, health testing, and the long-term commitment required to care for a dog. Stronger legislation and enforcement of existing regulations are also necessary to protect the welfare of both dogs and their owners.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
Owned Dogs > Pet Dog Acquisition > Motivations
Year of Publication:
2021
External Link:
Packer RMA, Brand CL, Belshaw Z, Pegram CL, Stevens KB, O’Neill DG. Pandemic Puppies: Characterising Motivations and Behaviours of UK Owners Who Purchased Puppies during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Animals. 2021; 11(9):2500. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092500