This study analyzes the levels and types of parenting stress experienced by dog owners in relation to their attachment to their dogs and investigates how perceptions of such stress differ according to socio-demographic characteristics. It identifies s...
This study analyzes the levels and types of parenting stress experienced by dog owners in relation to their attachment to their dogs and investigates how perceptions of such stress differ according to socio-demographic characteristics. It identifies specific challenges and needs arising from dog-raising, thereby providing basic data for developing targeted support programs and policies for dog owners.
The study was conducted through an online survey of 205 adult dog owners in Korea, aged 19 or older between August 12 and September 16, 2025. Data were collected using the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) and the Pet-Related Parenting Stress Scale (PRSS). Analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0, employing exploratory factor analysis, reliability testing, K-means cluster analysis, and Cross-tabulation analysis.
The principal findings are as follows. Exploratory factor analysis extracted three sub-dimensions of perceived parenting stress: burden-worry, bonding-psychological attachment, and concern-care. K-means cluster analysis categorized dog owners into four attachment-stress types: connection-future-oriented, attachment-burdened, distant-concerned, and stable-calm.
Cross-tabulation analysis revealed significant differences in the distribution of these types by age, marital status, and length of dog-raising experience, whereas no significant differences emerged for education, occupation, income, number of dogs, or length of current ownership.
The findings indicate that attachment patterns and perceptions of parenting stress among dog owners vary according to life-cycle factors such as age, marital status, and raising experience. They underscore the need for individualized approaches in dog welfare policies and support services that account for owners’ specific characteristics and circumstances. Differentiated interventions are recommended for each type, including burden reduction, information provision, and psychological support.
These implications broaden the concept of animal welfare to encompass owners’ well-being and highlight the importance of evidence-based efforts to foster a healthy companion-animal culture. The study provides foundational data for customized support for dog owners, enhancement of pet-industry services, policy development, and future research addressing owners’ diverse needs.