Vanessa Ashall next to a dog

Human Animal Interaction

Engaging the public health community: Exploring relationships between pets and people at the American Public Health Association (APHA) 2025 meeting

Last month at APHA, Dr Vanessa Ashall, human-animal interaction (HAI) Technical Leader at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, presented research on the impacts of relationships with cats and dogs on human mental health and wellbeing.

Jack Russell Terrier lying on bed

Human Animal Interaction

Being Well Together: Rethinking the human-animal bond

Dog and lady sat together on a sofa

Human Animal Interaction

Therapy dogs bring moments of calm to older adult inpatients 

New research shows therapy dogs can ease anxiety and lift mood in hospital patients 

Brown border collie dog during a vet visit

Welfare and Behaviour

Unlocking the Potential of AI in Veterinary Practice

New webinar highlights four practical ways artificial intelligence can support small animal veterinarians—tackling key challenges while creating real value in clinical care.

Labrador retriever with his owner in a park

Human Animal Interaction

A step forward in tackling canine periodontal disease – it all starts at home

Entering a new era of more preventative, proactive and personalised pet care Recent research supports the feasibility of an in-home screening tool for periodontitis in dogs

At Waltham Petcare Science Institute, we’re leading vital research into how the oral microbiome influences gum disease and overall health in cats and dogs. One of our goals is to translate this research into practical applications for veterinary professionals and pet owners.

Reflections From the First Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) Program Symposium

Human Animal Interaction

Reflections From the First Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) Program Symposium: ISAZ 2025 Conference

ISAZ 2025

Human Animal Interaction

Mars’ Waltham Petcare Science Institute to host symposium on pets and human mental health and wellbeing at ISAZ 2025 conference

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

Oral Health

Open Wide! Unique insights from the mouths of Yorkshire terriers

By Dr. Lucy Holcombe, Research Manager Biomarkers, Waltham Petcare Science Institute

Dr. Lucy Holcombe leads the Oral Health research programme at Waltham Petcare Science Institute. In her role she works with other scientists to investigate the role of biomarkers in pet health and disease. Her primary focus for several years has been unravelling the intricacies of oral health problems in dogs and cats. She's intrigued by what drives a switch from health to disease and it’s a topic she's followed throughout her career, from her plant pathology Ph.D., through academic research in human disease to the world of pet healthcare today.

Vanessa Ashall

Human Animal Interaction

Measuring the impact of pets on human wellbeing: a shift in approach to improve understanding of human-animal relationships

Dr Tammie King

Human Animal Interaction

People and pets – The importance of studying the human-pet relationship

By Dr Tammie King, Senior Research Manager, Waltham Petcare Science Institute

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