Abstract

The aim of this report is to raise awareness of the importance of research
concerning the economic impact of companion animals on society.

• This report was inspired by the seminal Council for Science and Society
(CSS) report Companion Animals in Society (1988), and updates and
extends its evaluation of the value that companion animals bring to
society.
• Data available from the UK are used as examples throughout, but many
of the points raised relate to industrialized nations globally.
• It highlights potential direct and indirect costs and benefits of companion
animals to the economy, and the value of exploring these further.
• There is currently a lack of high quality data for some aspects of this
evaluation which needs to be addressed to enable a more confident analysis;
however, given the scale of the potential impact (added economic
value and savings possible) the matter should not be ignored for this
reason.
• When evaluating the contribution of companion animals to the UK
economy both positive and negative aspects should be considered.
• Employing a conservative version of methods used in the best study of
its kind to date examining healthcare savings through reduced number
of doctor visits, we estimate that pet ownership in the UK may reduce use
of the National Health Service (NHS) to the value of 2.45 billion pounds/year.
• The cost of NHS treatment for bites and strikes from dogs is estimated
as 33 million pounds/year (i.e. approximately 0.1% of the health savings).
• We conclude that research into companion animals that relates to
their potential economic impact on society should be supported by
government.