There is growing awareness about the importance of pet ownership to physical and emotional health.
Pets provide opportunities and motivation to participate in physical activity. Rising world obesity levels has placed physical activity firmly on the public health agenda. Given that more 60 per cent of Australian households own a pet and almost 70 per cent of these households care for one or more dogs, walking with a dog is seen as an under-utilised health promotion tool.
Owning a pet has also been shown to decrease cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and blood fats (Anderson, 1992).
Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dog ownership and physical activity. It also examined the impact of the physical environment on the potential for owners of dogs to be physically active with their dogs in public.
The study objectives were to examine:
- The relationship between dog ownership and physical activity
- The impact of physical and policy environments in relation to dogs being able to be exercised in public places
- Existing and potential future barriers to people being physically active with their dogs in public
- The wider benefits of dog ownership (mental health and social capital)
The research was undertaken by Dr Hayley Christian (nee Cutt).
Funding
Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS)
School of Population Health
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
