Owned dog population size and ownership patterns in Costa Rica.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Animal Behavior and Welfare
• Canine Epidemiology

Background:

• Dog ownership is globally prevalent but evolving, especially in developing countries.
• Understanding current ownership patterns and human-dog interactions is crucial for effective animal management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize dog ownership and the owned dog population in Costa Rica.
• To assess dog confinement, care behaviors, and compare current data with historical trends over 20 years.
• To inform humane dog population management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Household surveys were conducted across Costa Rica to gather data on dog ownership and care.
• Statistical analysis was used to estimate dog population size and identify factors influencing ownership.
• Comparison with previous surveys from 2003 and earlier provided longitudinal insights.

Main Results:

• 76% of Costa Rican households own dogs, a higher rate than previously estimated, with an average of 1.4 dogs per household.
• The national owned dog population is estimated at over 2.2 million, with a sterilization rate of approximately 62% in 2020, up from 18% in 2003.
• Only 1.2% of owned dogs were on the street at night, with fewer in densely populated areas, suggesting reduced street roaming.

Conclusions:

• Dog ownership and sterilization rates have increased in Costa Rica over the past two decades.
• Current data indicates a positive trend in owned dog management, with fewer dogs roaming freely.
• Findings provide essential baseline data for developing targeted, humane dog population control programs.