Northerners are more likely to own dogs than southerners, according to figures released today by leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

While cats have become the No. 1 pet of choice for many throughout the UK in recent years, levels of cat and dog ownership vary considerably depending on where their owners live, PDSA reveals.

Analysis of almost 266,000 pets registered at their PetAid hospitals found that while almost three-quarters of all PDSA pet patients in the north of England are dogs, the proportion of dog patients in the south of England is significantly lower. The biggest cat/dog divide is in Northern Ireland with 80% of pets registered being dogs and just 18% cats.

The charity also discovered significant variation in cat ownership. Just a quarter of northern PDSA pet patients are cats, while in the south, around a third of all pets are cats.

The findings are backed up by PDSA’s popular celebrity Pet Pawtraits calendar for 2008. The two cat-loving celebrities featured are both London based – GMTV presenter Kate Garraway and DJ Lisa l’Anson.  Meanwhile celebrities based in the north such as Emmerdale actress, Adele Silva and Big Brother One winner, Craig Philips, are both photographed with their dogs.

Big Brother winner, Craig Phillips, who owns a Bull Mastiff called Raffiki, comments: “I prefer dogs to cats.  I think dogs are more loyal and are a great companion, but I’m sure many cat lovers would challenge me on that!

“I have always been a huge fan of dogs and we’ve always had Boxer dogs in our family. My theory as to why dogs seem to be more popular up North is the fact that there’s so much more open space for them and their owners to stretch their legs. Taking Raffiki for a walk everyday is very relaxing and a good way to unwind.”

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury said: “Our figures give a good indication of pet ownership trends across the UK. It’s interesting to see how both cat and dog ownership varies across the UK.

“In my experience, people either prefer cats or dogs, with a few who love both pets equally. However, people’s busy lifestyles and their geographical surroundings can influence their choice of pet.  Dog ownership seems higher in rural areas indicating that the many dog walking opportunities available in the countryside might be an influential factor. Equally, our data suggests that cats prove quite popular with city dwellers, probably because they are far more independent!”

While cats and dogs are the most ‘pre-furrred’ pet, PDSA has also analysed its rabbit and rodent patients. The results show that these small furries are more popular in the South West than in any other region of the UK, with rodents making up 4% and rabbits 3% of PDSA pet patients.

This latest PDSA ‘Petsie Index’* on cat and dog ownership is part of a regular series of facts and figures released by the leading veterinary charity, charting trends and developments in pet health and ownership.

Country/Region  PDSA Dog ownership statistics – %
N Ireland         80
North West      71
Scotland            69
North East        69
Wales                 67
Midlands           64
London              61
South East        57
South West       57

Country/Region  PDSA Cat ownership statistics – %
South East       36
South West      34
London             33
Midlands          30
Wales                28
North East       25
Scotland            24
North West      24
N Ireland         18

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