Findings from dog owners who have already participated in the survey include:
- Knowledge of diseases that pass from dogs to humans was generally poor, with eight per cent of travelling dog owners unaware that they could contract rabies;
- More than 50 per cent of all journeys recorded were to France;
- Countries visited included ‘at-risk’ areas of canine and human diseases, such as leishmaniasis (disease spread to animals and humans by sand flies) and dirofiliariasis (canine heartworm disease);
- 36 per cent of dog owners took no specific precautions against parasitic diseases while abroad, even though most travelled to areas of significant risk;
- Overall dog owners who travelled reported a better knowledge of diseases in dogs and how to prevent them that those that did not take their dogs abroad.
Jess Stokes, a postgraduate in the Veterinary Parasitology group, who is involved in the study, said: “We are delighted with the number of people who have taken part in the survey but with the summer holidays fast approaching we want more dog owners to take part.
“Last year the legal requirements for pet travel were changed and further reviews will take place over the coming years. By completing the survey, it will enable us to know if existing pet travel legislation is adequate, excessive or even relevant.”
The survey is for UK-based owners of dogs with pet passports, and takes between five and 15 minutes to complete. All information given will be kept confidential, used for scientific research purposes only, and not released to any third party.
To complete the survey go to: www.companioncare.co.uk/great-pet-survey.html