Author Archives: SCAS

New study on the reciprocal nature of the human-dog bond

Researchers from the Canine Behaviour & Research Department, Dogs Trust, UK, just published a study that reviews how we measure the human–dog bond. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with dog guardians to investigate their views on how their dogs demonstrated a shared a bond. The findings provide a useful foundation upon which to build research tools that better reflect the reciprocal nature of the dog-human relationship.

Samet et al., 2022. Exploring and Developing the Questions Used to Measure the Human–Dog Bond: New and Existing Themes, Animals, 12(7), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12070805

Reforms to pet microchipping regulations in England set out

Following recommendations set out by the Pet Theft Taskforce, new proposals to make it easier to reunite lost or stolen cats and dogs with their owners were set out by the UK Government this week.

Reforms to pet microchipping regulations in England include:

  • Changes to database system
  • New requirements will apply to both cats and dogs
  • Improvements will make it easier to reunite lost or stolen pets with their owners

Important information for cat and dog owners can be found on Gov.UK

A recent study reported affection from therapy dogs reduced pain in emergency room patients

A team of researchers, led by Dr. Colleen Dell from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, recently published their research demonstrating how therapy dogs can reduce pain and anxiety in patients.

‘Clinically significant changes in pain as well as significant changes in anxiety, depression and well-being were observed in the therapy dog intervention compared to control. The findings of this novel study contribute important knowledge towards the potential value of emergency department (ED) therapy dogs to affect patients’ experience of pain, and related measures of anxiety, depression and well-being’.

People & Animals UK is hiring!

Programme Support

Part-Time, up to 24 hours per week (1 year fixed-term, with a view to extend beyond the year). Salary up to £23,000 per annum pro rata (depending on experience and qualifications).

Programme Support Tutor

Part-Time, up to 24 hours per week (1 year fixed-term, with a view to extend beyond the year). Salary up to £25,000 per annum pro rata (depending on experience and qualifications).

Follow this link for more details and to apply

Are you looking to carry out research into the role of pets in the management of health conditions?

Our 2022 round of funding is now open for applications. For funding to be considered, projects must relate to the role of pets in the management of mental and/or physical health conditions. There are three different types of grants available: five pump priming awards, two undergraduate student project awards and one award to support open access publication. All applications must be received by 30 April 2022.

More details can be found here.