Select Country
Estimated homeless cats and dogs
1.1 million
Estimated street or stray cats
970k
Estimated street or stray dogs
67k
Estimated cats and dogs in shelters
42k
7
Index Score
Score Scale:
Number of cats and dogs on the street or in shelters
0
10
0=High
10=Low to nil
6.5
All Pets Wanted:
Stray Populations & Responsible Breeding
6.5
All Pets Cared For:
Pet Adoption & Access To Care
8.1
All Pets Welcome:
Pet Ownership Barriers & Policies
Data Highlights
The UK data shows potential pet owners actively plan and research before owning a dog, which is driving the ‘All Pets Wanted’ score for the country up. In the UK, 56% of respondents report researching what it is like to own a dog before getting one, slightly higher than the global average of 49%.
The Index data for the UK shows a high number of complaints about stray animal activity such as aggressiveness or noise is bringing the ‘All Pets Wanted’ score for the country down. In the UK, nearly 1 in 3 (32%) of pet owners also say they think stray dogs are a danger to their pet.
UK Index data shows 70% of the general population would consider adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue center compared to the global average of 67%. This attitude towards adoption and shelters is helping drive the overall ‘All Pets Cared For’ score up.
The UK data shows 1 in 5 people in the general population feel they would not be able to find their preferred pet in a shelter. This is contributing to bringing the ‘All Pets Cared For’ score for the UK down.
The Index data for the UK shows the country’s existing legislation protecting animals against cruelty and abuse has a positive impact on the ‘All Pets Welcome’ score, driving it up.
UK Index data shows prohibitive rental agreements that don’t allow pets are bringing the ‘All Pets Welcome’ score for the country down. More than 6 in 10 (63%) believe it is difficult to own a dog when you live in an apartment, and 5 in 10 (51%) believe the same is true when you own a cat.