In Europe, 46% of households own one or more companion animals, with cats and dogs being the most popular (127 million cats, 104 million dogs) (fediaf, 2023). Pets are integral to their owners’ lives, offering companionship and significantly benefiting physical and mental health. HABRi's research (2022) has shown that pets are nowadays part of the family or are seen as children, however, differences can be seen between countries.  it seems that there are cultural differences in how people experience the bond with their animal.

Pet ownership comes with the responsibility to care for and protect them. With varying animal welfare laws across Europe, the sector must work collectively to promote responsible pet ownership. Enhancing or sustaining pet welfare starts on educating pet owners. Conveying knowledge to the pet owner seems to be inadequate for bringing about behavior change.

This minor focuses on the evolving human-animal bond and will addresses health and welfare issues in companion animal care. The goal of the minor is to gain insight into how these welfare problems arose, and what humane actions underlie. It incorporates cross-cultural perspectives to ensure applicability in diverse contexts. Students undertake projects investigating current welfare issues, such as obesity, behavioral problems, health problems linked to breeding, bite incidents involving high-risk breeds.

The student formulates a practice-oriented question related to a behavioral issue in the pet sector, aiming to design an intervention to either modify of influence the behavior of the chosen target group (e.g., owners, pet professionals, or communities). Using the Behavioral Change Wheel, the student analyzes behaviors influencing the issue and identifies the target behavior for modification, considering cultural and contextual factors. Based on the study findings, the student proposes potential interventions to alter the behavior, integrating knowledge from behavioral sciences, communication, and marketing. The proposed interventions are evaluated against pre-established criteria, and the most effective one is elaborated. The student considers ethical implications and sustainability in the evaluation process. The student also explores communication strategies, marketing techniques, and stakeholder engagement to maximize the intervention’s success.

In the minor all 10 Aeres University of Applied Sciences Competencies can be carried out. During the minor the student works on application of his/her personal choice of Aeres University of Applied Sciences Competencies made in advance. Execution of the chosen competencies at this stage of study at level 3.

The minor is in English therefore it is highly desirable that participants have at least B2 level. In addition, it is desirable that student has basic knowledge about animal welfare.

Participant must consider a total expenditure on literature up to 150 Euros. The literature list will be provided to participant 2 weeks before the start.

Maandag en woensdag in de weken 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 (alleen ma i.v.m. USRA jaarfeest), 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23

AHAB01
ECTS: 10              
Name: Assessment        
Examination: Report     
Exam takes place in: T4

AHAB02
ECTS: 5
Name: Human animal interaction           
Examination: Paper       
Exam takes place in: T3

AHAB03
ECTS: 5
Name: Behavior change
Examination: Paper
Exam takes place in: T3

AHAB04
ECTS: 5
Name: Communication
Examination: Paper
Exam takes place in: T4

AHAB05
ECTS: 3
Name: Intercultural influences
Examination: Presentation
Exam takes place in: T4

AHAB06
ECTS: 2
Name: Personal development
Examination: Portfolio
Exam takes place in: T4

The minor is an international minor open to partner universities in Europe.