Pets, Volume 2, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 6 articles

Animal shelters play a pivotal role in protecting pets in crisis and bringing families together. This paper adds to the work of Hoy-Gerlach and colleagues which outlined a three-tier framework for developing and training veterinary social workers (VSWs) to serve in animal shelters. Our research questions sought to explore the VSWs’ self-identified role (RQ1), and how VSWs self-identify their scope of practice (RQ2). Through these exploratory questions, our research aimed to advance knowledge about the state of VSWs in the animal-shelter setting. Methods: Using a purposive sampling strategy, an anonymous community practice survey (CPS) was emailed to VSWs working in animal shelters. Inclusion criteria included being over the age of 18, being currently employed in an animal shelter, and cognitive fluency in English. The survey yielded 25 responses with 14 included in the data analysis. Findings: The VSWs identified their role as supporting multiple groups, including clients and their practice community (i.e., colleagues). While most of their time was devoted to individuals from the community, they also supported the mental wellbeing of their team. Their work ranged from case management and psychoeducation to crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment. As there are no standards of practice for VSWs, each respondent used unique language to explain their role and scope of practice. Conclusions: The CPS was helpful in illuminating developing trends within the field, though a larger sample size is needed to gain a more nuanced understanding of self-identified needs of VSWs practicing in animal shelters and other related spaces. Full article

Service dogs (SDs) have been shown to provide multi-faceted benefits for autistic children, with some benefits also extending to family members. The main objectives of this study were to explore the relationships between psychosocial well-being, family functioning, parent anxiety, and parent–child relationships in families of autistic children, and to investigate the effects of integration of an SD. A cross-sectional approach was used to collect data from three groups of parents of autistic children: (1) families approved for an SD but waitlisted, (2) families in the training process but not yet paired with an SD, and (3) families with a child matched with an SD. Parents completed an online questionnaire including validated tools. Children’s autism-related symptoms correlated with different aspects of family experience and quality of life, and parents’ anxiety scores were related to children’s social anxiety and difficulties associated with parenting an autistic child. Family functioning was associated with children’s autistic characteristics, parents’ anxiety, and the quality of the parent–child relationship. In families of children paired with an SD, children’s autistic symptoms were related to parental attachment with the SD. These findings underscore the need for further research on the assessment and implications of autism-related symptoms for children acquiring an SD. Full article

Background: The Dutch branch organization for pet products promised the public that it will improve the quality of raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) for dogs after several diagnoses of tuberculosis, brucellosis, and hyperthyroidism in dogs fed RMBDs. Objective: The objective of this study was to re-evaluate the risk factors of commercially available raw meat diets for dogs in The Netherlands. Methods: Seven commercial brands of RMBDs that were previously investigated were re-tested, as well as a newly introduced high-pressure processing (HPP) product. Raw beef sausage for humans was included for comparison. In total, 40 animal RMBDs (five batches per product) were tested for the presence of colony-forming units (CFUs), Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli directly after defrosting and 4 h later, as well as thyroid hormone. Results: Exceeded EU standards for CFUs and Salmonella bacteria were present in several samples. In the HPP product, bacteria were still present; however, the counts were lower. There were no differences in CFUs directly after defrosting and 4 h later. The human raw meat product was negative for bacteria. Thyroid hormone could be detected in 20 out of 37 samples. In seven of these samples, the levels were >0.75 µg/g, which have been associated with hyperthyroidism. Conclusions: The hygiene (including the use of HPP production) and accurate removal of thyroid tissue during the production of RMBDs still need attention to prevent the presence of zoonotic bacteria, high CFUs, and diet-induced hyperthyroidism. Full article

The purpose of this study was to assess the practical implications of supplementing soluble fiber in the diet of dogs. Dogs with a history of managed or active chronic enteropathy were randomized to receive either wheat dextrin (fiber group) or maltodextrin (placebo group) mixed with food once daily for 28 days. Owners recorded a daily fecal score one week prior to and during the supplementation period. Shallow shotgun sequencing, quantitative PCR abundances of core bacterial taxa, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were performed on fecal samples collected before and after supplementation. Seventeen dogs completed the study (fiber group: nine dogs; placebo group: eight dogs). The change in fecal score differed between groups, with the fiber group developing softer stools (p = 0.03). Alpha diversity, quantified PCR abundances of the SCFA-producing taxa, and fecal SCFA concentrations were not different after supplementation in either group. Fecal microbial communities differed between baseline and day 28 for fiber and placebo groups (p = 0.02, respectively); however, the size effect (ANOSIM R = 0.18 and R = 0.26, respectively) was minimal. In this small group of dogs fed variable commercial diets, the additional intake of wheat dextrin powder supplement was well accepted, but had minimal discernable clinical benefit, and could soften stools. Full article

Despite an increase in research into cat and dog cognition, behavior, and welfare in recent decades, it is unclear whether pet owners are aware of recent advances in our understanding of cats and dogs. Misunderstandings about the reasons for animal behavior can lead to negative welfare outcomes for the animal, and potentially distress for the owner, so it is important for owners to understand the latest science on animal behavior. Current and former pet owners (N = 224) completed an online survey rating their agreement with a series of statements about cat and dog behavior. After completing the survey, participants were provided with a document describing the latest scientific knowledge about each of the statements in the survey. For both species, participant beliefs generally accord with the latest scientific knowledge, but there is evidence of remaining beliefs about aspects of dominance training theory in dogs, and the belief that cats are low-maintenance pets. These findings can be used by trainers and behaviorists to help educate owners about pet needs, working from the owner’s baseline knowledge and debunking persistent myths. Full article

This study provides an overview of the new Greek legislative framework and highlights its progressive nature in tackling one of the most populous stray animal populations in the world. We present the newly established law and discuss its provisions, aims, and challenges. We also examine the reception of the law by key stakeholders such as veterinary practitioners, animal welfare organisations, and the Hellenic Kennel Club. With the post-implementation review scheduled for 2026, its evaluation has yet to be conducted. Full article