Page 10 - Jennifer Mooney

RESEARCH Chapter 2: Research

Literature Review & Analysis

Pet Adoption Statistics

Ireland faces a significant dog welfare crisis with nearly 3,000 dogs currently in severely
overcrowded animal shelters. The number of stray dogs entering shelters surged by 95%

from 2,592 in 2021 to 5,045 in 2022, contributing to the 7,352 stray dogs reported in 2022,
a substantial increase from 4,165 in 2021. While approximately half of Irish adults own
at least one dog, with ownership highest in Connaught and Ulster and lowest in Dublin,

only 30% of these dogs were adopted, 37% purchased from breeders, and 33% acquired
through friends or family. Although 60% of non-dog owners have considered getting a dog,
only 42% of those considering it have considered adoption. This situation is exacerbated

by the estimated 495,000 dogs in Ireland, with shelters across the country at full capacity,
preventing the rescue of more strays and increasing the number of homeless animals.
Online dog purchases, often lacking proper home checks, further complicate animal

welfare regulation. Ireland's reputation as the "puppy farm capital of Europe" highlights Most Popular Pets in Ireland
the ongoing challenges in pet welfare, with the ISPCA reporting a worrying increase In Ireland, the most popular pets according to the Irish Veterinary Journal are
in pet abandonment, rescuing 724 dogs in the first eight months of 2023 compared to dogs, cats, and fish. At least 38% of Irish households own a dog, making dogs

680 for the entirety of 2022, primarily due to owner surrender and abandonment. the most popular pets across the nation. Secondly, up with 24% of households
own at least one cat, while 8% of households having fish in an aquarium.
Other popular pets include rabbits, hamsters, and reptiles. (McGrath, 2023)

Popularity of Pet Adoption

Most Popular Breeds in Ireland
According to Petmania (2023), when choosing a pet, it is important to consider the
pet’s temperament and the size of the pet as an adult. Individuals must understand the The most popuar dog breeds in Ireland according to the Irish Kennel Club
breed of the animal in order to be prepared for caring for it. Only 30% of potential pet include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Cocker

owners considered the aspects of exercise and grooming needs before choosing a pet. Spaniels, and Border Collies. Additionally, the most vpopular cat breeds are
Although among those surveyed, only 8% chose a pet over the colour of their coat, British Shorthairs, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Siamese cats. (McGrath, 2023)
while just 15% chose a pet based on appearance only, proving that Irish people do look
beyond physical features of an animal and have deeper consideration for their needs.
Pet Trends

Up to 23% of owners admitted that they did not have a particular reason for getting Dogs and cats continue to be Ireland's most popular pets, making up 47% and
a pet, but simply wanted to add one to their family, while others mentioned they 37% respectively of the approximately 6.5 million pets owned. The COVID-19

got a pet to help with loneliness or to assist in a child’s development. More than pandemic led to a surge in pet adoptions, with one in five owners acquiring a
10% wanted a pet to increase their sense of safety at home, while 14% hoped to pet during this period for companionship during lockdowns. However, this was
reduce or assist in managing stress with the company of a pet. (Petmania, 2023) followed by a significant increase in pet returns once restrictions were lifted.