Sessions

The aim of the study was to explore and systematically assess pet-keeping practices, factors influencing the choice of companion animals, and owners’ experiences related to animal keeping. A further objective was to collect information that could provide a basis for the development of an advisory system designed to assist prospective owners in selecting a suitable animal. The main areas of data collection included the circumstances and considerations associated with animal acquisition, sources of information consulted prior to acquisition and problems encountered during animal keeping.

A total of 1,172 respondents participated in the online questionnaire survey. The 30-item questionnaire collected data on a wide range of animal species. A substantial amount of data was also obtained on less frequently studied species for which only limited scientific literature is currently available. The study sample was not representative of the Hungarian population. Overall, 75.5% of respondents reported that they had deliberately selected the species they kept, whereas 24.5% had not made a conscious species choice beforehand. Factors influencing animal selection were rated on a six-point scale. The lowest mean score was assigned to purchase price (2.35), followed by expected maintenance and veterinary costs (3.06), availability (3.09), appearance (3.73), temperament and behaviour (4.32), the amount of time available for the animal (4.61), and housing conditions (4.82). Animals were obtained from breeders in 622 cases (55.5%), pet shops in 258 cases (23.0%), shelters in 135 cases (12.0%), exhibitions or expos in 82 cases (7.3%), and private individuals in 376 cases (33.6%). A total of 332 animals (29.6%) were taken in as rescues, while 86 (7.7%) were received as gifts. The most frequently reported problem was higher-than-expected maintenance costs (49.8%). A further 32.7% of respondents reported that keeping the animal required more time or effort than anticipated, while 26.5% indicated that the animal’s behaviour did not meet their previous expectations. The relationship between information sources consulted prior to acquisition and the subsequent fulfilment of expectations was also analysed. Among respondents relying on a single source of information, those who consulted a veterinarian had the highest mean score for fulfilment of expectations (5.80). They were followed by respondents who obtained information from breeders (5.69), friends or acquaintances (5.45), online forums and social media groups (5.22), and scientific or professional literature (5.06). Using a greater number of information sources was not necessarily associated with a higher level of fulfilment of expectations. The findings suggest that appropriate prior information seeking and careful selection of information sources may contribute to more realistic expectations and promote responsible pet ownership.