Snip Snip! Owners’ Willingness to Spay-Neuter Their Companion Animals in Indonesia

Abstract

Cats and dogs, as part of companion animals, have historically been part of human life. In Indonesia, their ownership has risen markedly, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lack of systematic data on ownership patterns and sterilization practices in Indonesia limits the development of effective population management strategies. Without this evidence, the risks of overpopulation, abandonment, and potential public health issues remain unresolved. This study addresses the gap by analyzing demographic characteristics of companion animal ownership and factors associated with owners’ intention to spay or neuter their pets. An online questionnaire was distributed to pet owners across Indonesia. Descriptive statistics summarized ownership characteristics, and correlation analyses examined associations between demographic factors and sterilization intention. Results indicate that 45.5% of respondents had sterilized their animals, with nearly half of the pets being mixed breeds (49.7%). Companion animals were mainly obtained from relatives (28.3%) or by adopting neighborhood strays (27.9%). Species type was significantly associated with sterilization intention, with cat owners reporting a higher intention than dog owners. Education, occupation, and income also showed significant associations, indicating the role of socioeconomic status in shaping decisions. This study provides one of the first empirical datasets on companion animal ownership and sterilization practices in Indonesia. Linking demographic variables with sterilization intention reveals both behavioral and structural determinants of responsible ownership. The availability of these data contributes to regional and global discussions on companion animal management, offering an evidence base for educational initiatives and policy design aimed at reducing the risks associated with uncontrolled populations.