Rescue Me: Investigating the impact of ‘small furry’ animal rescue on owner wellbeing.

Are you passionate about animal welfare and the bond between pets and their owners? We’re on a mission to explore uncharted territories in pet ownership and its impact on human wellbeing, and looking for a new team member to join us.

While much of the current research has focused on dogs and cats, we’re now turning the spotlight onto the often-overlooked world of small furry animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamster and rats. Our new longitudinal study aims to shed light on how these delightful companions influence mental and physical wellbeing, particularly in the context of shelter adoption.

We previously found that dog ownership is associated with greater time spent recreational walking and odds of achieving the recommended 150mins of physical activity per week. Qualitative analysis suggested that dog ownership contributed to both hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing and people with poorer mental health acquire dogs to relieve symptoms. Those who perceived lower costs of dog ownership had better scores for anxiety, depression, emotional support and companionship. Other pets such as small furries may have different perceived costs/burden but still reap benefits. Longitudinal studies of changes pre-post animal acquisition are sparse, but we have demonstrated positive impacts of service dogs on veterans with PTSD. We are also conducting a USA-based longitudinal cohort of shelter dog and cat adoption by non-pet owners. Impacts of adoption of other species, and comparing those already with pets or not, require specific attention.

This new project will use longitudinal surveys with owners of small furry animals adopted from shelters to examine changes to the owner’s mental and physical wellbeing after adoption. It will also gain insights from in depth interviews with owners of small furry animals.

You will join the Westgarth Anthrozoology Group (WAG-LAB) in the Department of Livestock and One Health, School of Veterinary Science. You will be under expert the supervision of leading scientists Prof Carri Westgarth and Dr Helen Clough, as well as Prof Liz Perkins in the Institute of Population Health. The project will also be co-supervised by collaborators at Woodgreen animal charity (Dr Fiona Cooke), University of Arizona (Prof Maggie O’Haire) and University of Maryland (Prof Erika Friedmann).

Your research will not only contribute to the growing evidence base on pet ownership but also inform how shelters can enhance the adoption experience for future pet owners.

Qualifications and Experience

Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with a background in animal welfare, public health, or social sciences? If you also hold, or are on track to obtain, a relevant degree (at least 2:1), we want to hear from you! While experience in both qualitative and quantitative research, including statistical software R, is desirable, we’ll provide training to help you thrive in this exciting role.

The project is anticipated to begin by 1^st March 2025. The interview date is planned for Thurs 12^th Dec.

Applications should be made to project supervisors in the first instance via CV and cover letter. This is for all applications. Only when a candidate has been selected following interview will a formal online application be required.

To apply please send a full CV and personal statement covering letter to [email protected] 

For application enquires please also contact Prof Carri Westgarth

0151 795 6029