Dogfree

Dogfree is a hygienic, environmental and social movement based around people who dislike domestic pet dogs and dog ownership in general.

People who identify as "dogfree", generally speaking, do not support the abuse or mistreatment of domestic dogs but strongly disagree with the concept of dog ownership, Western culture's integration of dogs into media, relationships and public spaces, dogs in areas such as restaurants, beaches and commercial shops, the ecological impact of dogs as an invasive domestic species artificially perpetuated by humans, the cruelty to dogs that many owners exhibit (for example dog fighting, physical abuse and neglect of the dog's care), and the lack of hygiene exhibited by dogs (for example their licking of their own genitalia or anus, or having anal scent glands that emit a yeasty fecal smell). Dogfree people also do not believe in the concept of dogs providing "unconditional love", and believe that dog owners who consider this a virtue are actually narcissistic and looking for endless affirmation and validation to avoid personal growth and betterment. The term "dogfree" attracted attention initially after the Reddit group r/Dogfree was brought up in news articles examining the Dogfree community phenomenon. The movement is contentious, with supporters arguing that a cultural love of dogs is automatically presumed and that society does not accept anyone who expresses dislike, fear or disgust regarding dogs, and critics arguing that the movement is mean-spirited and too extreme. The Dogfree movement has some overlap with the "Childfree" movement, criticism of the phenomenon of self-diagnosis in relation to "therapy dogs" and "emotional support animals" (not to be confused with service animals or guide dogs), and also with the criticism of pit bull advocacy groups.

The origin of the term "Dogfree" is unknown.