A qualitative study of factors that shape owners’ attitudes towards the vaccination of dogs and cats

Background Vaccination is crucial for mitigating disease outbreaks in companion animals, yet recent reports indicate a decline in vaccination rates among cats and dogs in the UK. Furthermore, there are indications of an emergence of hesitancy towards vaccinating dogs and cats in a contingent of owners. Methods To provide deeper insights into these trends, qualitative methods were employed through in-depth interviews with eighteen dog and/or cat owners. Interviews were analysed using a grounded theory approach, which allowed for development of theories directly derived from the data. Results Analysis revealed that owners conceptualise pet care in various ways, which impacted their vaccination decisions. Factors influencing these decisions include trust in veterinary expertise and advice, perceptions of vaccine safety, and views on their animal's health and needs. Owners frequently weighed the perceived risks of vaccination against the risks of disease, with their perceptions shaped by personal experiences and information from diverse sources. A notable influence was the “natural” approach adopted by some dog owners, who believed that avoiding synthetic substances could benefit their dogs’ health, thereby affecting their vaccination choices. Conclusion The findings highlight variation in views about the vaccination of dogs and cats, suggesting that interventions need to be tailored to specific owner groups. To increase dog and cat vaccination rates in the UK, it is essential to recognise the complex decision-making processes that owners navigate. Future efforts should focus on targeted solutions that address individual concerns and enhance owners trust in veterinary advice.