Hartpury University, in collaboration with University Centre Reaseheath, welcomed leading academics, students and industry professionals for the 2nd Canine and Companion Animal Student Conference on Saturday 18 April, a one-day event dedicated to advancing research, practice and collaboration across the animal welfare and veterinary sectors.
A total of 51 attendees took part in the conference, including delegates, keynote speakers, organisations, volunteers and organisers, reflecting strong engagement from across the UK canine and companion animal community.
The conference opened with keynote presentations tackling critical issues affecting animal welfare today. Dr Helen Tedds, Lecturer in Animal Welfare at Hartpury University presented “Cold-Blooded Clicks: When Online Pet Sales Slip Through Regulation”, highlighting significant gaps in online pet trade regulation and the work of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group in supporting improved standards.
Selina Gibsone from Dogs for Good explored “Dogs for Good: Evolving Practices”, outlining how assistance , community and family dog provision continues to adapt to better support individuals, families and communities.
Debbie Anslow of Positive Pet Behaviour Ltd. and Hartpury University delivered a session on cooperative care in the veterinary setting, emphasising the importance of preparing animals for positive veterinary experiences before, during and after visits.
The conference featured a strong programme with academics from University Centre Reaseheath, University of Bristol, Plumpton College/University of Greenwich, and University of Edinburgh, as well as those from Hartpury.
Research topics included:
- Defining responsible dog ownership and the challenges of inconsistent terminology
- Public perceptions of assistance dogs, including the impact of vest design
- The influence of muzzle colour and breed on perceived canine approachability
- UK practices in restraint methods for dogs involved in bite work
- Environmental concerns such as microplastic exposure pathways in dogs
Poster presentations further explored adoption satisfaction, osteoarthritis assessment tools and the economics of medical alert assistance dogs. Hartpury student Holly Moynihan (BSc (Hons) Canine Training and Performance), presented her posture titled ‘The Effects of Fun Dog Swimming on the Canine Hydrotherapy Industry’.
Fellow students Megan Joy (BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction with Psychology) and Zoe Treasure (MRes Animal Science) gave oral presentations titled ‘What is Responsible Dog Ownership? A Systematic Review’ and ‘Neurodiversity in Veterinary Practice: Exploring perceptions and experiences across the team’ respectively.
Across the conference, several key themes emerged:
- A lack of consistent definitions of responsible dog ownership
- Ongoing regulatory gaps in online pet sales
- The growing importance of cooperative care training in veterinary practice
- The prevalence and requirement of support for neurodivergent practitioners in the animal sector
- The powerful role of public perception in shaping behaviour around animals
- The need for continued education, behaviour change and legislative support to improve animal welfare
The event was sponsored by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), with a range of organisations hosting stands and engaging with delegates, including:
- Cheltenham Animal Shelter
- Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists and the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy
- The Pet Prep Initiative
- The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors
- The Canine Behaviour and Training Society
- 5M Publishing
- Wild Spirit Canine
- Society of Companion Animal Studies
The Canine and Companion Animal Conference demonstrated Hartpury University’s continued leadership in supporting research-led education and industry collaboration. Students at undergraduate and postgraduate level can immerse themselves in this industry-led environment, developing key skills to take with them into future employability.
By bringing together diverse perspectives from across academia and practice, the event highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and the collective effort required to enhance welfare outcomes for companion animals.
