A pilot investigation of the physical and psychological benefits of playing Pokémon GO for dog owners

Pilot information on the health behaviors and perceptions of adult, dog owning, Pokémon GO players in the US was gathered via an anonymous, on-line survey. A total of 269 participants provided details about their playing habits, daily exercise routines, and interactions with their family and dog, and how these were impacted by playing the game. Playing Pokémon GO affected the amount of time players spent with other people and pets, with 43.2% of respondents reporting an increased amount of time spent with family/household members and 52.3% reporting they spent more time with their dog. Additionally, 62.9% of participants reported spending more time walking their dog since starting to play. A statistically significant increase in amount of exercise obtained was found when comparing pre-to post-game levels. A number of respondents reported feeling less anxious leaving the house (38.6%), interacting with strangers (39.7%), and going to new places (39.4%) after they began playing Pokémon GO. In conclusion, playing Pokémon GO appears to positively impact all areas studied, suggesting a new opportunity to enhance both mental and physical health.