The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has awarded a grant to Professor Carri Westgarth and her team at the University of Liverpool to study the impact of adopting small animals on pet owner wellbeing. The study will focus on rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice adopted from shelters.
The project will use surveys and in-depth interviews with pet owners to examine how adopting these small animals affects their mental and physical health. The study will also provide insights into the adoption process and the human-animal bond.
“Current research is often focused on dog and cat ownership, and the evidence base regarding health impacts from owning small furry pets is less well developed,” said Professor Westgarth. “Our research will help uncover the impact of owning small furry pets and the experiences people have adopting them from shelters, which we hope will help shelters guide and support successful small pet adoptions.”
The study will be conducted in two phases. First, researchers will interview 30 small pet owners to explore their experiences and perceptions of how their pets have affected their wellbeing. Second, the team will track 450 new small pet adopters over six months, with follow-ups at one, three, and six months after adoption. This will measure changes in psychological, social and physical health while analyzing how the human-animal bond develops over time.
“Human-animal bond research should include all pet species,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. “HABRI is proud to support research to document the benefits of rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets for human health and wellbeing.”
Fiona Cooke, head of Specialist Services at Woodgreen Pets Charity, emphasized the importance of the study, adding, “This new research will shine a much-needed spotlight on the benefits of owning a small pet and the unique bonds people form with them. This study will not only improve support for people adopting small pets from charities like Woodgreen, but will also aid our work to keep more pets in loving homes.”
HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative scientific research to document the health benefits of companion animals; educates the public about human-animal bond research; and advocates for the beneficial role of companion animals in society.
Adapted from a press release.
