Associations Between Pet Type (Co-Walkable, Indoor-Only, and Ornamental Pets) and Well-Being: Findings from a...

The associations of pet ownership and well-being have been widely discussed, but previous studies have shown inconsistent results, often due to their limited sample size and diversity. We analyzed data from a nationally representative survey conducted by the Cabinet Office of Japan in 2019 (n = 10,293; age range = 15-89 years; 50.4% female). Ownership of co-walkable pets (e.g., dogs), indoor-only pets (e.g., cats), and ornamental pets (e.g., tropical fish) was examined as a predictor. Well-being was measured using eleven domains based on the OECD Better Life Index. Demographic covariates were included. Of the participants, 13.3% owned a co-walkable pet, 13.0% an indoor-only pet, and 6.8% an ornamental pet. The pet owners were more likely to live in a house they owned and have a larger floor area, higher income, and greater debt. The non-pet owners were more likely to live alone. In the unadjusted models, the ownership of co-walkable pets was associated with higher well-being in terms of housing and community. However, in the adjusted models, the ownership of co-walkable pets was associated with lower well-being in terms of income, jobs, environment, and, marginally, safety. No significant associations were found for indoor-only and ornamental pet ownership. In Japan, pet ownership requires both financial resources and adequate living space. It is also important to note that pet owners who go outside for walking their animals may also find that their environmental and economic circumstances are less satisfying.