The environments where people are born, live, learn, work, and age can have drastic impacts on their health. As humans and pets share physical and social environments, these same environmental characteristics may also impact animal behavior and wellbeing. The purpose of this study is to explore how individual and community environments can affect dog behavior.

We are enrolling 100 owners and their dogs to learn more about the behavioral needs of dogs from communities across Philadelphia. The findings may help to improve veterinary and shelter services to better serve people and their pets.

Owners will need to complete a 15–20-minute survey about their household characteristics, feelings of stress, pet ownership behaviors, and their dog’s behavior. Dogs will wear a small activity monitor attached to their collar for two weeks.

Eligibility:

• Dogs aged between 1 to 11 years
• Single dog household
• Resident of Philadelphia County

Benefits:

• $80 debit card upon completion

Please contact the VCIC at 215-573-0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu for more information about this study.