Introduction
While dogs bring great happiness to their owners, the canine-human bond presents its fair share of challenges. If you don’t have friends or family to help with dog sitting, your travel plans can become complicated and expensive once you add in professional pet services. Plus, some undesirable canine behaviors—such as excessive drooling or shedding—can become a nuisance for some owners.
To explore nationwide pet peeves among dog owners, we surveyed 10,000 owners with 200 participants from each state. By analyzing responses to 18 common annoyances, we unveil the unique—and inconvenient—challenges faced by dog owners across the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Nationally, dog owners’ primary pet peeve is having to find a dog sitter when heading out of town, topping the list for dog owners in 43 states.
- The second most common pet peeve is also travel-related, focusing on the difficulty of finding pet-friendly hotels while on the road. A study from Forbes Advisor highlighted that a mere 5% of hotels in the 100 most-populated U.S. cities are pet-friendly.
- Securing the third spot is America’s frustration with the obligation to walk or exercise their furry companions. This annoyance extends its impact to the state level, where it emerges as the primary concern in six states.
- The fourth most common peeve is the cost of being a dog owner, with 22.9% of owners citing it as an annoyance. The survey also finds that dog owners spend the most money on dog food and veterinary care.
- Only 5.3% of dog parents identified “when my dog jumps up on/lays on furniture or beds” as a pet peeve, making it the least selected concern.
Each State’s Biggest Pet Peeves
- While the overwhelming majority of U.S. states (43) reported that finding a sitter when going out of town was their top annoyance, it was most popular among dog owners in California (62.5% of dog owners in the state selected this option).
- Georgia was the only state where finding dog-friendly hotels ranked as the top pet peeve, with 39% of dog owners selecting it as their top annoyance. However, a higher number of respondents in Florida (58.5%), California (44.5%) and Alaska (40%) identified finding dog-friendly hotels as a pet peeve.
- Tennessee dog owners seem to be the most resilient when it comes to pet peeves regarding their dogs, as the state's top annoyance was having to find a sitter for their dog when traveling (20%), compared to the high of 59.5% in Iowa for this top pet peeve.
- Although checking a dog for ticks was the fourth least popular pet peeve (selected by just 7.58% of respondents nationwide), dog owners in Delaware selected this option as an annoyance more than respondents in any other state (21%). Ticks are common across the state and are active year-round, not just during prime tick seasons. The state’s travel website warns ticks will readily bite dogs.
The Top Pet Peeves Nationwide
1. Having to find a sitter when I go out of town and can’t bring my dog with me (37.34%)
For dog owners, the quest for a reliable pet sitter when heading out of town without their pups is a universal challenge, capturing the top spot in nationwide annoyances.
- Across the U.S., this emerged as the foremost annoyance, with 43 states designating it their top pet peeve.
- In five states, this option secured the second position among the biggest annoyances of dog ownership.
- This particular concern ranked in the top three annoyances in all 50 U.S. states.
2. Having to find dog-friendly hotels when on vacation (23.61%)
Navigating the search for pup-friendly hotels during a vacation is a common hurdle for many dog parents, ranking as the second most common pet peeve among Americans.
- Georgia designated this option as its top pet peeve, with 39% of respondents selecting it as their top annoyance.
- Eleven states, including six East Coast states (Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia), identified this option as their second-top annoyance.
- Fourteen states marked this challenge as their third-top annoyance.
3. Having to walk/exercise my dog (including playing fetch, going to a dog park, going on hikes with my dog, etc.) (23.29%)
Walking dogs, playing fetch, visiting dog parks, and going on hikes can be a big task for many pet owners. Americans listed walking and exercising their furry friends as their third-highest pet peeve.
- Six states—California, Delaware, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington—listed the obligation to walk and exercise their dogs as their top pet peeve.
- Four states marked this task as their third-most significant annoyance.
- The majority of dog owners surveyed (43%) reported walking or exercising their dogs "a few times a day," while 27% do so once a day.
4. The cost of owning a dog (22.86%)
The costs of caring for your dog can really stack up, making the cost of dog ownership a prevalent annoyance among American pet owners.
- This selection was the second most common annoyance in 11 states (Arizona, South Dakota, Hawaii, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada and Vermont).
- Ten states, including six East Coast states (Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia), designated this as the third-most significant irritation.
- The most popular response from dog owners regarding what they spend the most money on was dog food (38.8%).
5. Excessive barking (19.75%)
Unwanted behaviors, like barking, can bother some pet owners. It's not surprising that dog barking is one of America's top irritants when owning a pup.
- Twelve states selected dog barking as their second top annoyance of being a dog owner.
- Nine states designated this option as their third-top annoyance.
- Utah residents chose this option more than any other state, with 26% of respondents reporting it as an annoyance of owning a dog.
6. Excessive shedding (17.48%)
Dog hair on surfaces can require constant cleaning and is a big peeve for many pet owners.
- Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Vermont and Tennessee each designated this option as their second-top annoyance.
- Ten states selected this option as their third-top annoyance of owning a dog.
- Vermont residents led in reporting excessive shedding as a top annoyance, with 28.5% of residents choosing this option.
7. Having to pick up my dog’s waste (15.14%)
Picking up after a dog is a less-than-pleasant aspect of dog ownership, but it’s required to maintain cleanliness, be a good neighbor and promote good health in public spaces.
- Indiana, Montana, and Oregon each designated this task as their second-top annoyance as dog owners.
- Dog owners in Michigan selected this option as their third-top annoyance of being a dog owner.
- Oregon residents reported this option more frequently than respondents in any other state, with 28% of respondents citing it as a pet peeve.
8. Having to take my dog to the veterinarian (12.6%)
Responsible pet ownership comes with regular vet check ups and possible emergency vet visits.
- While this option didn’t secure a spot in the top three annoyances in any U.S. state, 12.6% of respondents nationwide chose this selection.
- Florida had the highest percentage of residents selecting this as a pet peeve (40%), more than any other state.
- When asked about their highest pet-related expenses, dog owners identified veterinarian care as the second most popular response (29%).
9. When my dog dirties the house/furniture (11.24%)
Cleaning up after dogs, especially after they jump on furniture or bring muddy paws into the home, is a pet peeve shared by dog owners across the country.
- While this option didn’t rank in the top three pet peeves in any U.S. state, 11.2% of respondents nationwide selected this option.
- Missouri residents selected this response more than respondents in any other state (20%)
- Washington and Florida reported having the cleanest, most polite pups, with only 4.5% of respondents selecting this response in each state.
10. When my dog jumps on me or others (10.37%)
Dogs jumping on other people and their owners is a common but often unwanted behavior. Although the behavior can be seen as a display of excitement or affection, it’s a common pet peeve among dog parents.
- Although this option didn’t rank in the top three annoyances in any U.S. state, 10.4% of respondents nationwide selected this option as a pet peeve.
- Idaho residents reported this as a top pet peeve more than any other state (19%).
- Dog owners in Washington and Hawaii reported dog jumping on their owners or others as the lowest annoyance, with only 4% of residents in each state selecting this response.
Annoyances That Bother Dog Owners the Least
While certain aspects of dog ownership may bother some individuals more than others, there are select behaviors and responsibilities that bother dog owners the least.
1. When my dog jumps up on/lies on furniture or beds (5.32%)
Keeping a pet close is a cherished experience for many dog owners. Whether it's snuggling on the couch or sharing a quick nap in bed, dogs jumping or lying on furniture is the lowest reported pet peeve among dog owners.
- Delaware and Missouri dog owners chose this response as their top annoyance more than those in any other state (12.5%) .
- Respondents from New Hampshire, North Carolina and Rhode Island reported this response the least, with only 1.5% of dog owners in each state listing it as a pet peeve.
2. Having to take my dog to the groomer (7.55%)
Taking your furry friend to the groomer is essential for keeping them clean and happy. But a small number of Americans find this simple task bothersome.
- California dog owners selected taking their dog to the groomer as a pet peeve more than pet parents in any other state (23%).
- Only 1.5% of dog owners in Wyoming reported that taking their dog to the groomer was bothersome.
- Nearly one-tenth (8.9%) of dog owners reported spending more money on grooming annually than on other dog-related expenses.
3. Excessive drooling/slobber (7.56%)
While some Americans consider sloppy puppy kisses and drool a natural part of pet ownership, others find it a nuisance.
- Dog owners in California selected this response as an annoyance more often than owners in any other state (18%).
- Respondents from Ohio selected this response the least out of any other state, with only 2.5% of dog owners reporting excessive drooling/slobber as an annoyance.
4. Checking my dog for ticks (7.58%)
While dogs enjoy the thrill of the outdoors, it does come with certain risks, including potentially being bit by a tick. Ticks can transmit a bacteria that causes Lyme disease in dogs, making them a threat to their overall health and wellbeing.
Although some pet owners may find checking for ticks a bit bothersome, it's an essential part of their care to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
- Dog owners in Delaware reported this as their top annoyance (21% of respondents), more than any other state.
- Dog owners in Iowa and Washington reported this response the least, with only 3% finding excessive drooling/slobber bothersome.
5. My dog taking over the bed (7.72%)
Whether big or small, certain dogs love snuggling close to their owners to feel the warmth. While some pet owners enjoy these night time cuddles, others report it as a pet peeve.
- Dog owners in Delaware reported this as a top annoyance (19%), more than any other state.
- Iowa dog owners are the least annoyed with this behavior, with only 3% of dog owners finding their dog taking over the bed bothersome.
How Pet Insurance Can Help Ease Common Pet Peeves
While some of these pet peeves are unavoidable and come with the territory of owning a dog, there are some solutions for others that can ease the pain of certain aspects of pet ownership.
One solution is pet insurance, which can act as a financial safety net for dog owners when unexpected events, such as illness or injury, arise. Here's how pet insurance can make a significant difference in addressing some common pet peeves and enhance your overall pet care efforts:
- The cost of dog ownership: Pet insurance is a comprehensive solution that can cover a wide range of medical expenses, including bite wounds, broken bones, allergies, seizures, ear infections, hereditary conditions and more. It may even cover routine visits to the vet and the costs of prescription food or supplements, ensuring your furry friend receives appropriate medical care without causing financial strain.
- Excessive barking or behavior concerns: If your dog's barking becomes a source of concern, certain pet insurance plans may contribute to covering the costs associated with addressing behavioral issues.
- Flea and tick prevention: Preventative care, including flea and tick prevention, is crucial for your dog's well-being. Pet insurance can play a role in covering the costs associated with these routine measures, to ensure your furry friend is protected against common pests.
- Last-minute boarding: Unexpected circumstances may require last-minute boarding for your dog. Some pet insurance plans allow owners to add on additional coverage, such as last-minute boarding services, to help you manage unforeseen situations without added financial stress.
It's crucial to understand that not all pet plans are identical, so reviewing the details of your pet insurance plan is essential. You can provide the best care for your furry friend by making sure you know what's included. Consider pet insurance as a helpful and comprehensive solution, ensuring your dog stays healthy and you have peace of mind.
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Methodology
This online survey of 10,000 dog owners (200 per state) was commissioned by Forbes Advisor and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society’s code of conduct. Data was collected from September 21 to October 13, 2023. The margin of error is +/- 1.0 points with 95% confidence. This survey was overseen by the OnePoll research team, which is a member of the MRS and has corporate membership with the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR).
