Results from the charity’s National Dog Survey show fewer than one in three owners research key areas before choosing their dog.

- Survey finds less than a quarter research vet costs before getting a dog, and only a third looked into the exercise needs of their dog.

- Dogs Trust has received more than 7000 handover requests so far this year, with many stating they can no longer cope with owning a dog

Worrying new research from Dogs Trust shows that many people are welcoming dogs into their family without first researching key aspects of dog ownership.

Data from Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey, the largest of its kind, which provides insights into over 430,000 dogs, suggests that many prospective owners may be entering dog ownership without doing their homework first.

Key findings

· - The National Dog Survey found that fewer than one in three owners research key areas before choosing their dog.

· - Just 29% said they looked into different dog breeds.

· - Only a third (33%) researched exercise requirements.

· - Less than three in ten (29%) said they looked into training methods before bringing a dog home.

· - Financial planning also appeared limited. Only 27% of owners said they researched the cost of buying or adopting a dog beforehand.

· - Just 22% looked into the potential cost of veterinary care.


The data also suggests that many people rely heavily on informal sources of information before welcoming a dog into their life. Around half of dog owners (49%) said they searched the internet before getting their dog, while 17% said they found advice on social media. In contrast, only 6% said they sought advice from animal welfare organisations.

The findings come at a time when Dogs Trust continues to receive high numbers of requests from owners who feel unable to keep their dogs. So far this year, the charity has received more than 7,000 handover requests, with around 30% of people contacting the charity saying they are no longer able to cope with owning a dog, and 11% saying they need to relinquish their dog due to financial pressures.

The experts at Dogs Trust believe responsible dog ownership begins long before a dog arrives in the home. Understanding a dog’s needs, the realities of day-to-day care, and the long-term financial commitment involved are all essential steps before deciding to get a dog.

Dogs Trust has teamed up with the RSPCA to create a Responsible Dog Ownership Framework, a blueprint designed to help ensure dog owners understand what is expected of them. The framework covers a range of topics, including the research prospective owners should carry out before getting a dog, how dogs and people can safely share public spaces, and how owners can provide their dogs with a happy and healthy life.

The charities are currently consulting the public on the framework. To have your say, visit:
www.dogstrust.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/research/responsible-dog-ownership


Josh Heath, Senior Public Affairs Officer at Dogs Trust, says:

“Dogs bring huge joy to our lives, and with over 13 million dogs in the UK, more of us than ever before are benefiting from the companionship, fun and love that comes with having a dog. But responsible dog ownership starts long before a dog arrives in the home.

“Taking the time to properly research a dog’s needs, the costs involved and where the dog is coming from can make all the difference in giving them a happy, healthy life. Sadly, we’re still seeing very high numbers of people contacting us to rehome their dogs, so it’s important that anyone thinking about getting a dog does their homework first and understands the long-term commitment involved.

“Along with the RSPCA, we’re asking the public to help shape the future of responsible dog ownership in the UK, so whether you’re a dog owner or not, we want to hear what responsible dog ownership means to you.”

The Dogs Trust National Dog Survey data also reveals the differences in how people prepare depending on how they acquire their dog.

Among prospective puppy owners, most reported carrying out some checks before bringing their dog home. Seven in ten (70%) said they saw their puppy with their mother beforehand, while 64% saw them with their littermates. Around 58% said they visited the puppy in person before the day they brought them home. Those acquiring puppies, particularly from licensed breeders, were also more likely to ask about health checks and screening, vaccination and worming schedules, and whether the puppy had been microchipped. They were also more likely to research training methods and exercise needs.

Among people adopting dogs from rescue or rehoming organisations, 30% said they asked for advice from a rehoming centre and 13% sought guidance from an animal welfare organisation. By contrast, people acquiring dogs through breeders or informal routes were more likely to rely on online information, previous experience, or advice from friends and family.

* The National Dog Survey is the UK's largest study of dogs and the people who love them, led by the charity Dogs Trust. This year, over 340,00 (342,974) people responded to the survey. The survey had 320,303 respondents who were dog owners, who told us about 423,175 dogs, and 22,654 respondents who did not own a dog. This year's annual survey ran from 13 May 2025 to 24 June 2025.