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Updates on the economic impact of companion animals to the UK.
Abstract
The aim of this report is to raise awareness of the importance of research concerning the economic impact of companion animals on society. This report was inspired by the seminal Council for Science and Society (CSS) report Companion Animals in Society (1988), and updates and extends its evaluation of the value that companion animals bring to society. Data available from the UK are used as examples throughout, but many of the points raised relate to industrialized nations globally. It highlights potential direct and indirect costs and benefits of companion animals to the economy, and the value of exploring these further. There is currently a lack of high quality data for some aspects of this evaluation which needs to be addressed to enable a more confident analysis; however, given the scale of the potential impact (added economic value and savings possible) the matter should not be ignored for this reason. When evaluating the contribution of companion animals to the UK economy both positive and negative aspects should be considered. Employing a conservative version of methods used in the best study of its kind to date examining healthcare savings through reduced number of doctor visits, it is estimated that pet ownership in the UK may reduce use of the National Health Service (NHS) to the value of £2.45 billion/year. The cost of NHS treatment for bites and strikes from dogs is estimated as £3 million/year (i.e. approximately 0.1% of the health savings). It is concluded that research into companion animals that relates to their potential economic impact on society should be supported by government.
The human-animal bond can lead to a highly positive experience for both the guardian and the animal, nonetheless there is a need to be cognisant of the potential negative aspects this relationship may pose. This scoping review aimed to systematically identify the potential negative guardian aspects associated with pet guardianship and their causative factors, to facilitate a greater understanding and address and minimise these aspects. Through the online databases Scopus, ProQuest and PubMed, a systematic search was conducted, with 6871 sources identified, screened to 76 final sources for inclusion. Numerous potential negative aspects of pet guardianship were identified. The most documented were perceived cost, burden of care and negative aspects of caretaking, followed by grief, negative effects on guardian life satisfaction, and increases in guardian stress, anxiety and/or depression levels. Guardian concern and relinquishment, and disenfranchised guilt about dog parenting were also identified as negative aspects of guardianship. These negative aspects were brought about by various causative factors, such as problem behaviours, caring for a sick or aging pet, the burden of everyday care, and the death of a pet. Whilst integral to the lives of their guardians and providing many positive impacts, the pet guardian relationship is not without challenges. Through further research, particularly regarding the financial constraints that pets may pose for guardians, we can continue to facilitate an overall positive experience for both the guardian and their pet.
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