Dropping the Ball: Dog Guardians Know Dogs’ Needs But Don’t Always Deliver, New Poll Shows

For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2026

Contact:
Hannah Nelson 202-483-7382

Americans often talk a big game about being dog lovers, but a new survey reveals dog guardians may be dropping the ball in spectacular fashion. A new survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults commissioned by PETA and conducted by The Harris Poll reveals that while 75% of US dog guardians agree that dogs need at least three daily walks for their overall well-being, only 26% of dog guardians actually provide three or more walks a day. And most dogs aren’t just getting fewer walks than they need—they’re getting rushed, unfulfilling ones: Just 21% of dog guardians who walk their dogs always let them stop and sniff as long as they want, and a mere 19% who walk their dogs say their typical walks are longer than 30 minutes.

The contradiction is particularly striking among younger adults (those aged 18-34), who according to the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey tout themselves as “pet-obsessed” but in our survey showed the widest gap between knowledge and action, with 78% of dog guardians aged 18-34 acknowledging that dogs need three walks daily, but only 19% of dog guardians in that age range typically deliver three or more daily walks.

Middle-aged guardians (those aged 45-54) are more likely than those aged 18-34 or 65+ to walk their dog three-plus times daily (37% vs. 19% and 24%) but only 18% aged 45-54 who walk their dog say a typical walk is longer than 30 minutes. Younger dog guardians aged 18-34 who walk their dogs redeem themselves a bit when it comes the length of their walks, with 21% clocking 31–60 minutes compared to just 10% of those aged 55+—most of whom opt for 11-30 minute walks (68%). Older dog guardians aged 65+ who walk their dog have an edge on enrichment, reporting that they always or often allow for “sniff time” more often than those aged 35-54 (72% vs. 58%).

“Dogs depend on us for everything, including when they eat, drink, and relieve themselves, so the least we can do is give them fulfilling walks that let them enjoy the world at their own pace,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “A walk is the highlight of a dog’s day, not some chore to be rushed through, and PETA reminds everyone that adding a dog to the family means making time for their needs, and if you can’t commit to that, don’t get a dog.”

PETA points out that regular walks are essential for dogs’ physical and mental well-being. Beyond “bathroom breaks,” walks provide exercise that helps them maintain healthy joints and weight, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. And while backyard play is beneficial, daily walks ensure that dogs are exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells—which helps provide the mental stimulation needed to prevent depression, boredom, and anxiety.

A comedic PETA short—starring White Lotus director Mike White as a dog and Only Murders in the Building actor Molly Shannon as his distracted guardian—underscores how a dog’s walk is their special time. That’s why PETA recommends that guardians allow their dogs to choose the direction and pace of walks as much as possible, let them stop and sniff the neighborhood news with their sensitive snouts to their heart’s content, and never rush them or yank on the leash.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kitsfor people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Survey Method:

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of PETA from January 27 – 29, 2026 among 2,091 adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,372 are dog guardians. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.