Who Let the Dogs Out? A Cross-Sectional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey Reveals Caregiver Behavior and a Value-Action Gap in Ownership Practices as Potential Contributors to Free-Roaming Dog Populations in Fiji

Abstract

Introduction: Free-roaming dogs (FRD) are common in villages and urban areas across Fiji, and managing these populations presents significant challenges. Developing sustainable dog population management (DPM) programs requires an in-depth understanding of how ownership practices and human behaviors influence dog population dynamics. This study aimed to establish a framework for understanding dog demographics, dog bite incidence and the socio-behavioral factors contributing to dog overpopulation and the maintenance of FRD populations in Fiji.

Methods: A cross-sectional, door-to-door household knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey was conducted to evaluate the size and dynamics of the owned dog population, dog ownership practices, public knowledge and attitudes toward dogs, and the incidence of dog bites in households in Tavakubu Ward, Lautoka, Fiji.

Results: More than one-third of households (37%) owned a dog for companionship or protection, with over half of households (54%) reporting feeding dogs they did not own. Few respondents supported the use of control measures involving confinement or culling, and owner uptake of rehoming services was low. Despite positive attitudes toward preventive care, desexing (sterilization), and licensing, adoption of these practices remained low. A lack of awareness of the importance of desexing and licensing was reported as a key barrier to uptake.

Conclusion: Historical methods of dog population control in Fiji, such as indiscriminate culling and rehoming, may not align with contemporary community attitudes and ownership practices. Results suggest high levels of caregiver behavior and community dog feeding, compounded by low desexing rates, and limited confinement of owned dogs, likely contribute to Fiji’s FRD population. Participants’ responses also reveal a clear value-action gap in responsible pet ownership, where community attitudes do not consistently translate into everyday practice. Therefore, identifying and addressing barriers to evidence-based responsible dog ownership practices and incorporating sustainable, community-led strategies for dog management will be an important step in improving the effectiveness of DPM programs in Fiji.