Scientists hope the new estimate of the UK’s dog population could help dog welfare organisations plan for future canine care needs and pinpoint their focus areas.
The study’s new approach may also act as a framework to track dog populations further over time and to gain new insights about dog hotspots and the popularity of specific breeds.
“More importantly, they provide a solid baseline for investigating what factors that may drive changes in dog ownership in the future, with consequences for human and pet health,” said Xavier Harrison, another author of the study.
"This groundbreaking study sheds new light on the UK's dog population and density,” said David Wong, one of the study’s authors.
It's packed with valuable insights for everyone involved in dog welfare and our friends within the welfare sector, veterinary care, epidemiological, and business fields,” said Kirsten McMillan, lead author of the study.
