Since we are more at home because of corona, the number of dog owners has been growing steadily. 1 in 5 Dutch households now have a dog. As a result, the dog population in the Netherlands rose from 1.7 million in 2019 to 1.9 million in 2020 (Dibevo, 2021). And our four-legged friends lack nothing at all; owners are willing to do anything for them, according to research by Edgard &Cooper. The dog and cat food brand investigated how the Netherlands pampers and cares for its dogs. It shows that almost half of the respondents treat their dog like a child. A quarter of the dogs sleep in their owner's (or another family member's) bed and about 15% take their dog with them in the shower or bath. Women under 30 in particular also indicate that they like to buy clothes for their dogs. And as soon as it is allowed again, almost half of the dog owners plan to take their dog with them on holiday.
Cheer up
Almost all dog owners see the dog as a fully-fledged part of the family. Half of them greet the four-legged friend when they return home and then the other housemates. And more than 8 in 10 owners indicate that the dog can cheer them up when they feel bad. Although so many people see their dog as a full family member, it is good to realize, even after corona, that a lot is involved in the care of a dog.
Dog prompts movement
The research also shows that the vast majority of people spend a lot of time outside with their dogs; more than 80% of four-legged friends are taken out for an hour or more every day. This is good for both the dog and their owner, because research (CBS, 2020) shows that almost half of the Dutch do not follow the exercise guidelines of the Health Council. For example, to achieve the desired and well-known 10,000 steps of many Dutch people, a dog can therefore make a very positive contribution.
Bone, steak or banana as a treat Dog owners are very serious when it comes to nutrition. Seven out of ten people say they have first extensively researched the best dog food for their beloved pet. Just under 80% find the ingredients and composition of the dog food more important than the price. After choosing a brand, very little is changed. Many dogs eat and snack on a snack at the same time as the rest of the family. They also get snacks or leftovers from their regular dinner. To really spoil dogs, bones, steak and bananas (with or without peanut butter) are regularly treated.
Dogs popular on social media
1 in 3 Dutch people have more pictures of their dog than of relatives/friends on their 'device' (tablet/computer/telephone)
Over 30% of dog owners have their dog visible on their face profile picture
No less than 10% of the dogs have their own social media account
