Understanding and respecting an animal’s signals during interactions can significantly enhance their welfare and improve the human-animal interactions. In this presentation, Dr. Amir Sarrafchi will discuss his research on how dogs respond behaviourally when allowed to choose or refuse human contact. Drawing from his work on animal agency and consent, Dr. Sarrafchi will explore how these concepts can be practically applied in everyday animal care, shelter environments, and adoption programs.
The session will translate research findings into simple, effective strategies that caretakers, trainers, and shelter staff can use to promote consent-based handling and improve welfare outcomes.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize behavioural indicators that reflect a dog’s comfort or discomfort during human interaction
- Understand the importance of agency and consent in enhancing animal welfare and fostering a more humane relationship between humans and animals
- Apply practical strategies for incorporating choice and consent into daily care, training, and shelter routines
Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards 1.0 CAWA CEs. This webinar has also been pre-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It has also been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit until 10/14/2027 in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.
About the speaker
Dr. Amir Sarrafchi is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. His PhD research focused on animal behavior and the impact of providing animals with agency and consent on their welfare during human-animal interactions. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Master’s in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology.
During his PhD, Dr. Sarrafchi investigated how allowing animals, particularly horses and dogs, to exercise choice during interactions with humans influences their behavioral and physiological responses. His recent work explores how promoting agency can improve welfare outcomes in both companion and working animals. Dr. Sarrafchi is passionate about bridging the gap between science and practice to enhance the daily care, handling, and understanding of animals.
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