Recently I came upon an article in National Geographic touting the results of a survey on Americans and pets.
Public Policy Polling surveyed 603 registered voters in early June and found that:
- 61% owned a pet
- 44% lived with dogs and 31% lived with cats
- 20% prefer their pet over human beings
- 69% do not share their bed with their pets
- 48% said that dog owners need to get better control of their dogs
- when asked if black cats are good luck or bad luck, 74% weren’t sure
- 70% had a favorable opinion of the Humane Society of the US, while more had an unfavorable (39%) than favorable (36%) opinion of PETA.
- only 9% identified as either vegetarian or vegan
Respondents were fairly evenly divided between gender, political leanings (very liberal to very conservative), and the part of the country they represented. NOTE: 71% of respondents were white.
So what do I glean from this information?
- regardless of political affiliation, people choose to share their lives with animals
- that most voting Americans prefer a middle-of-the-road approach to animal welfare
- that more Americans see animals as deserving of humane treatment, even if most of us still choose to eat them
It also gives me directions for where this blog needs to head to continue its outreach.
If you’d like to read the entire survey results, here’s a link to the Public Policy Polling press release.
So what do the survey results tell you? Do you agree or disagree with the findings?
Dogpaddling Through Life 
I’m the only one in my family who is a carnivore. But that really 69% say no for anipals in bet – that’s surprising .
To me too. I blame the CDC for saying that sleeping with animals spreads disease. PS: I choose not to sleep with my human, but I could if I wanted to.
I agree Rumpy, Chipie and Frosty the Huskies, said NO too – it was just too warm in the bed :o)
Now I just have cats but they end up coming into bed with us whether we allow it or not. In the event of a closed door, they just scratch and paw at it until we open it. 🙂
Hmmm….61% owned a pet….I thought it might have been much higher percentage in America. Besides 31% lived with cats…the number is a little bit small, isn’t it? As for black cats, watever people think, they are lovely to me!
Have a happy weekend, Rumpy! 🙂
Expected higher percentage of cat homes…would be interesting to see the income levels of those surveyed…given it was largely white. Curious, what does this data suggest to your blog Rumpy?
I am very surprised that only 61% had pets…
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Interesting… I thought far more people would admit to liking their pets better than people and letting them sleep in their bed.
THANK DOGNESS that OUR mom and dad are in the CORRECT (31%) who KNOW where we SHOULD sleep!!
Rumpy, Mama doesn’t let me and Nalle sleep on the bed, but the kitties get to! Woooowooooo, Ku
We’re lucky Jan is in the correct % or none of us would have a home. Actually, none of us would be alive today. Where would humans be without us furries?
Interesting!!
Add me to the percentage that are allowed to sleep in Mom’s bed.
Hugs and Licks, BJ Pup
The number that stands out to me the most is the 48% who say owners need better control of their dogs. Anti-dog sentiments are rampant in the media right now. I hear anti-dog people’s legitimate concerns, shake my head and think “if only more dog owners were educated about training and the importance of leash laws.” This survey leads me to believe anti-dog outrage and laws will get worse before they get better. Bummer.
It amazes me how clueless many dog owners are.
Very interesting. Whee know that our Aunties doggies both prefer to sleep in their doggy beds rather than their hoomans (one because she is a very nervous rescue doggy and the other is very snooty and likes his own space!) But if they wanted to they could. And our other Aunt is Australia let her doggy sleep in our Mummy’s bed when she was over there for a visit!
Wonder what sort of figures are out there for rodents, I feel a google search calling ^_^
Nutty, Nacho, Buddy & Basil
xxxx
I’ve also seen surveys that show dog owners are more likely to be suburban Republicans and cat owners more likely to be urban Democrats.
Although I think your middle-of-the-road analysis is on the money. Let’s face it, being a responsible pet caregiver requires moderation in many habits.
I’m not surprised at how few people are vegans or vegetarians. But I was surprised at BlogPaws that more pet bloggers weren’t vegans or vegetarians.
Some people have a very big disconnection between factory farms that raise puppies and factory farms that raise beef cattle or chickens.
I agree. Ask a 4 year old where eggs or milk comes from and he says Walmart. Ask her parents and they’re likely to say the same thing.
I thought it would be higher too. I am really happy to know that you used the U of Tenn by the way and liked them I am hoping they will get back to me soon I sent over Pings records
urban hounds
I, too, thought there would be a lot more who said they liked their pets more than people. Hmm…oops.
Looks to me like humans have a lot of room for improvement!!!
Since there are more cats than dogs, most cat owners must have multiple cats which is good. That’s about the split in our complex. TW didn’t think there were any other cats besides me until she talked with people at the pawty. since we never see any boxes from litter on our floor, I think I’m the only one. PeTA has been losing favor among animal lovers since they it’s been revealed that they abuse animals also. See PeTAkillsanimals.com.
I don’t put any credence in the PETA attackers. I believe they are trolls for the animal agriculture industry. Besides, PETA seems to be attacking their credibility all by themselves.
You’re prolly right. Yeah, those porn ads don’t help PeTA’s creds.
Yes, I’m one of those who loves animals, but eats meat and believes pets belong on the floor. I just spent a great deal of money to help alleviate what I could tell was my dog’s physical pain. Even without the valuable pet insurance, I’d do it because he’s worth it! I also like my dog more than most humans. Most people are rotten, but animals are cool!
We’re not sure. But we know one thing. More people need cats in their lives.
When I lived alone, cats were allowed on the bed but dogs were not. This was primarily because the bed was to high and the dogs were too big. The dogs did have beds in the bedroom though and they were happy to be nearby. Now, partner has allergies and so all cats must remain out of bed. So sad.
Compromise though, as cats ARE still in the home!
According to 4% of nature lovers, all dogs should live in the woods??? And 8% of them think cats should live in the woods! How is this possible?
I love your picture Rumpydog! You clearly are enjoying that bed! Don’t believe anyone who tries to tell you that you shouldn’t be there! My dog is right with you on this one too. Nobody is going to convince him he needs to get off either. Thanks for the post, I found it very interesting.
With respect, hope, joy and love, Carmela
I was kind of surprised that only 20% said they prefer their pet to humans. 🙂
I suspecct a lot of cat owners just don’t report in. Dog owners tend to be more interactive with other dog owners, especially those who show or breed, or are involved in rescue (breed or otherwise). Becaue I suspect there are a lot more cats around than surveys indicate. But of course, I’m just surmising from personal experience, limited, obviously. Great work you’re doing!
http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/anp/2013/04/30/documents-u-s-pet-ownership-demographics-sourcebook-2012-edition/
This should be the web address to an article posted by “Animal People” regarding The U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographic Sourcebook, which is published every 5 years by the American Veterinary Medical Association…
Cool! Thanks!