Knowledge, attitude, and problems of Aomori citizens in keeping and managing dogs as pets

A survey was conducted to learn how dog owners in Aomori prefecture are keeping and managing their pet dogs. A questionnaire containing 29 questions and was conducted at animal hospitals and other locations. Four hundred and seventy one people responded. Seventy percent of the respondents were females. The highest age groups were in their 30s to 40s. More than 90% of the respondents live with family members. More than 50% of the respondents said that the reason they kept dogs was because their family members like animals. More than 75% believe it is "a good thing" to neuter the pets but only 40% of dog owners actually had their dog neutered. Only 30% of owners put microchips or owners' names on the dogs. Despite advertisements from veterinary associations and the Ministry of Environment, neutering pet dogs and putting identifying indications on them is still comparatively rare. This suggests that veterinary professionals should do more to advertise and educate dog owners.