Pets-owners’ perception and practices regarding human infections with pets- associated diseases

Background: Pets ownership is widespread with notable regional variations. Pets offer emotional support and companionship, especially for isolated individuals and elderly. Objectives: Assess the perception and practices of pets-owners about prevention of pets-associated diseases , identify barriers facing families and compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices between male and female pet owners Methods: A cross-sectional design conducted in four veterinary clinics in Tanta City including 389 of pets’ owners seeking health care services at selected units using predesigned validated questionnaire. Results: The total knowledge score was poor among 37%, moderate in 49.9% and good among 13.1% of participants. Regarding the level of total attitude score, it was poor among 1.5%, moderate among 40.9% and good among 57.6% of participants. The level of total practice score was poor among 41.1%, moderate in 37.5% and good in 21.3% of participants. As regards constraints of following up with veterinarians, cost and transport were the main constraints (58.1% and 52.7%, respectively). Males and those with below university education had better level of knowledge score. Unemployed persons significantly had lower knowledge level. Urban residence and cats’ owners had higher attitude levels. Higher practice score was observed among who own a flat compared to those owning a house. Conclusion: Most participants had poor to moderate knowledge and practice scores, while attitude was good. Sex, education, and occupation influenced knowledge score. Residents and types of pets influenced altitude score, while living accommodations influenced practice score. Barriers to veterinary follow-ups included cost, transportation, uncooperative pets, and time constraints