The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has awarded a grant to a team of researchers, led by Prof. Carri Westgarth, chair in Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool, to study how adopting small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters impacts owner well-being. “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,” says Carri Westgarth, the principal investigator of this study. “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 research will combine surveys and interviews to explore mental and physical health changes and deepen understanding of the human-animal bond. It consists of two parts: Part one: In-depth interviews with 30 pet owners to explore perceptions and experiences of owning small pets and their impact on well-being. Part two: Longitudinal study of 450 new pet owners, with follow-ups at one, thee, and six months post-adoption from Woodgreen Pets Charity and other shelters. The research aims to track the evolution of the human-animal bond and assess changes in psychological, social, and physical health. Researchers anticipate that adopting small shelter pets will improve health outcomes, particularly for first-time pet owners. For more information, visit the HABRI website.
