Overview

• A peer‑reviewed PLOS One survey of UK households that acquired puppies in 2019–21 collected responses in 2023 from 382 caregivers and 216 children aged 8–17.
• Respondents reported comfort and happiness alongside stress and workload, and 37.3% of primary caregivers said living with a puppy was harder than expected.
• Care responsibilities were highly gendered, with 95% of primary caregivers female and many mothers describing an overwhelming mental load.
• First‑time owners were significantly more likely than experienced owners to struggle with child–puppy interactions and overall household management.
• Almost all children engaged in physical interactions previously linked to higher bite risk, prompting calls for training that includes child safety and clear boundaries.