Waltham Petcare Science Institute

Our recent human–animal interaction research has been featured by the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS). In their latest summary, SCAS highlight the study by Vanessa Ashall and Renelle McGlacken, which explores how relationships with companion animals can shape everyday experiences of rest and relaxation. Using qualitative methods, the research provides valuable insight into how self-care can be understood as relational, emerging through shared routines and interactions between people and their pets. It’s encouraging to see continued discussion in this area as we build our understanding of the role companion animals play in human wellbeing. #HumanAnimalInteraction #PetcareScience #MentalHealth #SelfCare

⏰ One week left! There are just 7 days remaining to submit your application for the WALTHAM Foundation™ Research Award 2025-2026! This award is offering up to £25,000 in funding for innovative companion animal research. If your work focuses on nutrition, health, behaviour, development, or welfare, this is your chance to advance science that supports our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. We’d particularly love to hear from you if your work explores any of the following: 🐾 Research projects on under-researched companion animals from anywhere in the world OR 🐾 Research in companion animals based in emerging and developing economies 📅 Apply by 31 March 2026 🌐 Full details and application guidance: https://lnkd.in/eqKFtKie ❓ Have any questions, find out more: https://lnkd.in/ehyqMBAK Don’t miss the chance to move your research forward and help create better outcomes for pets and their owners worldwide. #ResearchFunding #FundingOpportunity #CompanionAnimals #ABetterWorldForPets #WALTHAMFoundation

Could pet dogs have an impact on teens with social anxiety? In our latest blog, Dr Vanessa Ashall, Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, speaks with Dr Megan K. Mueller, Associate Professor of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, about the ground-breaking 5 year-long research into the teenager-dog relationship of teens with social anxiety. Dr Mueller discusses this unique research, and whether it could ultimately help young people learn how to thrive in the face of challenges. 👉 Read the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eYuivGuG #PetsAndWellbeingStudy #SocialAnxietyinTeens #HumanAnimalBond

Pets can support our wellbeing in small but meaningful ways, from encouraging us to step outside, to helping us pause and reset during busy days. In a new Forbes article, Helen Mills shares how growing scientific evidence is helping to highlight the role pets can play in supporting wellbeing across homes, workplaces and communities. The article delves into the Mars’ Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program, led by researchers at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, which is helping build one of the world’s largest research efforts on the topic. Through the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program, we’re exploring how interactions with cats and dogs can shape mental wellbeing, drawing on insights from more than 35,000 participants across 20+ countries. Read the full article in Forbes to learn more about our latest PAWS research: https://lnkd.in/e7kJRcWg #PetsAndWellbeing #ABetterWorldForPets #MentalHealth

On this International Women's day we celebrate the achievements, impact and dedication of women across the globe. At Waltham, we’re proud to work alongside talented women across teams and disciplines, whose curiosity, expertise, and determination help advance research, improve animal health, and shape the future of science🐾 Women everywhere continue to break barriers, inspire the next generation, and drive knowledge that improves lives. Their creativity, insight, and resilience remind us that science thrives when everyone has the opportunity to contribute. #InternationalWomensDay #WomanEmpowerment #Representation #WomenInScience

⏳ Four weeks to go! There’s just one month left to apply for the WALTHAM Foundation™ Research Award 2025-2026, which is offering up to £25,000 in funding for innovative, high-quality research that supports our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. If your work advances scientific understanding in companion animal nutrition, health, behaviour, development, or welfare, we encourage you to submit your proposal. We’d particularly love to hear from you if your work explores any of the following: 🐾 Research projects on under-researched companion animals from anywhere in the world OR 🐾 Research in companion animals based in emerging and developing economies 📅 Apply by 31 March 2026 🌐 Full details and application guidance: https://lnkd.in/eqKFtKie ❓ Have any questions, find out more: https://lnkd.in/ehyqMBAK Don’t miss the chance to move your research forward and help create better outcomes for pets and their owners worldwide. #ResearchFunding #FundingOpportunity #CompanionAnimals #ABetterWorldForPets #WALTHAMFoundation

Busy lives leave little room for self-care. But what role can pets play in supporting everyday wellbeing? In a new study, supported by Mars x Calm, researchers at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute interviewed pet owners around the world to find out how and why pets can support rest and relaxation.      Here's what we learned:  🐾 Everyday routines with pets can help owners justify and prioritise rest and relaxation.  🐾 Activities feel better when shared with pets.  🐾 The perceived mutual benefits through time spent together enhances emotional wellbeing   These are the latest insights from the landmark Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program, investigating the impacts of cats and dogs on human mental health and wellbeing.      Vanessa Ashall, HAI Technical Leader reflects: “By using qualitative methods to explore participants’ own meaning-making about the specific practices through which companion animals shape their everyday experiences of health and wellbeing, this analysis has provided rich insights into how people and companion animals make everyday routines and moments for rest and relaxation together.”    Learn more about our study here: https://lnkd.in/ewiU3cZM    #HumanAnimalInteraction #PetcareScience #MentalHealth #SelfCare #ProudlyMars