Investigators: Elizabeth Wenden, Hayley Christian, Michelle Ng, Stephen Zubrick
External collaborators: Leanne Lester (The University of Western Australia)
Pet ownership is associated with a number of physical, mental and emotional health benefits. Our current Pets and Health study (PLAYCE PAWS) investigates the health and developmental benefits of companion animals for young children.
The overall aim of this study is to see whether active play and walking with the family dog facilitates improved developmental outcomes in young children. Through this research, we will pilot test companion animal-based interventions for improving young children’s health and developmental outcomes.
Our multidisciplinary, international team has led research and reviews in the areas of:
- Dog ownership, dog walking and physical activity in older adults, adults and children
- Dog ownership, dog walking and children’s independent mobility and outdoor play
- Dog walking interventions to facilitate increased physical activity in adults and children
- Creating supportive physical and policy environments for dog walking
- Pet ownership, dog walking and social capital, sense of community, social support, social connections and perceptions of safety
- Pet ownership and gastroenteritis in children
- Pet ownership and cardiovascular risk
- Tools and surveys: Dogs And Physical Activity (DAPA) Tool
Publications