A research on pet owners' perception and attitude toward animal welfare

Animal owners have played a key role for increasing animal welfare of companion animals. Therefore the information to be obtained by analyzing the perception and attitude of pet animal owners with regard to animal welfare is very important for increasing the welfare of pet animals. The aim of this research to obtain basic data and analyze pet owners' perceptions and attitudes towards animal welfare for strategies to improve welfare and control of animal populations. In the research, it was determined that cats and dogs whose welfare was evaluated were mostly obtained from shelter and familiar people. Although the welfare of cats and dogs is good in terms of good feeding, good housing and good health criteria, it is observed that animals are significantly restricted in housing areas. It was observed that the pet owners who participated in the research had a high perception of animal welfare. Generally, it was observed that the level of education of pet owners was high and the average age was low. According to the results, the demographic characteristics of pet owners and animal welfare perception and attitude were found to be significantly related. However, it was found that pet owners were partially less aware of the effects of animal behavior and emotions on animal welfare through the care of kittens and puppies. These results showed that pet animal owners can contribute to the implementation of the "One health one welfare" strategy with a high perception of animal welfare. In addition, it is seen that pet owners should better understand the relationship between animal behavior, animal emotions and animal welfare in order to increase the welfare of pet animals. In this context, training and awareness activities are also needed.