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Three quarters of dog owners would feel happier returning to work if they can bring their dog
- 77% of dog owners are concerned about being separated from their pet when they return to their workplace after lockdown
- Two thirds (65%) feel they have built a closer bond with their dog since lockdown began
- 42% of owners have noticed positive changes in their dog during lockdown
- 26% hope to work from home full time from now on to be with their dog, and 21% said they would work from home if their boss let them
The survey of 2,000 UK dog owners delves into the lives of the nation’s pooches since lockdown began, to discover more about separation anxiety as the UK population slowly returns to work.
Three quarters of dog owners (77%) admitted they will be concerned about being separated from their pet when they return to their workplace, with two thirds (65%) saying they have built a closer bond with their dog since lockdown began.
1 in 4 (26%) dog owners hope to work from home fulltime from now on, to spend more time with their dog, 1 in 3 (30%) hope to work from home part-time, while 21% said they would work from home if their boss let them.
42% revealed that they have seen positive changes in their dog’s behaviour during lockdown. Over half (52%) say their dog is happier and 29% say their dog is calmer when they are at home more.
1 in 4 (26%) do admit however that their dog needs more attention than they did before, with 22% revealing that their dog follows them around all the time.
Interestingly, a third say their dog is more active during lockdown so it comes as no surprise that the top item purchased for dogs during lockdown is new toys.
The data reveals that the nation has been pampering its pooches with, on average, owners purchasing three new items for their dog since lockdown began.
Respondents also revealed they have spent on average a total of £38 on these new items, with the average spend increasing to £60 in London.
A paddling pool has made the top ten list of most popular items purchased for their dog (13%) amongst dog food, water bowl and new lead.
Lockdown has also given dog owners an opportunity to learn more about their dogs with nearly half (46%) saying they are more knowledgeable about their dogs behaviour and character, 37% their dog’s health and fitness and just over 1 in 4 (28%) about their dog’s diet and nutrition.
Top 10 items purchased for dogs during lockdown:
- Toys (45%)
- Dog food (30%)
- Water bowl (22%)
- Lead/harness (18%)
- Collar (14%)
- Blanket (13%)
- Grooming kit (13%)
- Paddling pool (13%)
- Indoor training equipment (9%)
- Water bottle (9%)
Kirsten Dillon, Animal Behaviourist and Canine Specialist comments,
“One of the positives to come out of lockdown is dog owners increased understanding of their pet’s behaviours and needs. It has been a unique experience for everyone, including our canine friends, and returning to the workplace will not be easy.
Studies have shown that at least 50% of all dogs have separation issues, although sadly, it is likely to be more. So, it is very encouraging to see that dog owners are planning to work from home more often from now on to be with their dogs”.
