DOG OWNERSHIP, LEISURE PARTICIPATION AND MENTAL WELL-BEING: A DESCRIPTIVE REVIEW OF WEB OF SCIENCE STUDIES (2006–2024)

DOG OWNERSHIP, LEISURE PARTICIPATION AND MENTAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

This descriptive and thematic literature review synthesizes research exploring the relationships among dog ownership, leisure participation, and mental well-being. A total of 34 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science database between 2006 and 2024 were included. The review employed descriptive content analysis and thematic analysis to identify research trends, methodological patterns, and substantive themes within the literature. Findings show that dog ownership has been increasingly studied over the past two decades, especially in Western contexts. Quantitative designs and survey methods were most common. Thematic synthesis revealed three primary patterns: dog ownership as a facilitator of leisure-time physical activity, dog ownership as a social and psychological resource, and dog ownership as a context-dependent experience influenced by individual, environmental, and social conditions. The evidence suggests that dog ownership is associated with higher levels of leisure-time physical activity, enhanced social interaction, and positive mental well-being outcomes, such as reduced loneliness and stress. However, these effects are not universal; financial costs, time commitments, caregiving responsibilities, and contextual constraints may limit the leisure benefits of dog ownership for some individuals. In conclusion, dog ownership should be understood as a multidimensional and conditional factor within the leisure domain rather than a universally beneficial intervention. Theoretically, this study conceptualizes the dual nature of pet ownership by integrating the socio-ecological model with the leisure constraints framework. Practically, these findings offer actionable insights for urban planners and public health professionals to design dog-inclusive public spaces and community wellness programs.The review highlights the need for more diverse, qualitative, and longitudinal research to deepen understanding of how dog ownership interacts with leisure and well-being.