"The skills covered in this book - which were taught to me by the author - have had the single biggest impact of anything I have learned in over two decades of working in animal welfare"
- Sam Chubbock, Head of UK Support, World Horse Welfare (from the foreword)
"The veterinary world is beginning to acknowledge the importance of structured approaches to human behaviour science in improving animal welfare. This book would be useful introductory reading for all members of the veterinary team – veterinary and veterinary nursing students, veterinary receptionists, veterinary technicians/nurses as well as veterinary surgeons and allied professionals. It applies for both general practice and referral contexts across all specialisms and species."
- Melissa Upjohn, Applied animal welfare researcher. Published in Vet Record (Feb 26)
"The book is well-structured and easy to read, with information presented in manageable sections. Key points are highlighted using bullet points and case studies, avoiding the overwhelm that dense blocks of text can sometimes create. The writing is engaging and practical, making it a valuable resource for those new to motivational interviewing, as well as those seeking to refine their skills. The inclusion of ‘practical’ in the title is well justified ― the book delivers on this by providing concrete examples and equipping readers with the tools to apply motivational interviewing effectively in real-world settings."
- Grace Carroll, Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast. Review published in Animal Welfare (Cambridge, Vol 34, Mar 2025)
Practical guidance to improving animal wellbeing by changing human behaviour
Practical Human Behaviour Change for the Health and Welfare of Animals is the practical guide to helping people change behaviour for the welfare, wellbeing, and health of their animals. Grounded in evidence, this book enables readers to understand some of the underlying causes of human behaviour towards animals and deliver the crucial techniques and skills to help people make needed behavior changes. These techniques, including the use of the Stages of Change model, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and skilled active listeningsupport practical interventions for owner's behaviors such as those around diet, exercise, weight control, and breeding; the text also supports professionals through difficult conversations such as euthanasia, hoarding, and giving up ownership. These approaches have been found to improve outcomes for animals as well as engagement with workers by owners. This way of working also reduces psychological burden on workers and helps with job satisfaction.
To aid in reader comprehension, Practical Human Behaviour Change for the Health and Welfare of Animals is complemented by case examples, analogies, and exercises. A supporting website provides worksheets and resources to further support the reader's learning and help put skills into practice.
Written by a highly qualified author with more than 20 years of experience in human behaviour change for animal welfare , the bookdiscusses topics such as:
* What helps people change--and what doesn't--covering traditional techniques that are less likely to help, and alternative methods that have been proven to support behavioral change in others
* Principles and key ideas underpinning motivational interviewing and active listening skills for motivational interviewing
* Structuring conversations with a focus, developing understanding of the owner's situation and experiences, working with ambivalence, and supporting people to prepare for change
* Preparing for action via goal setting and action planning, supporting people to move into making changes and to maintain change in the long-term
Practical Human Behaviour Change for the Health and Welfare of Animals is a valuable resource for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and animal care providers; it is also highly useful for animal welfare and sanctuary workers, animal rehoming workers, and individuals working in health, environmental, and trading standards where animal welfare issues are encountered.
From the Back Cover
Practical guidance to improving animal wellbeing by changing human behaviour
Practical Human Behaviour Change for the Health and Welfare of Animals is the practical guide to helping people change behaviour for the welfare, wellbeing, and health of their animals. Grounded in evidence, this book enables readers to understand some of the underlying causes of human behaviour towards animals and deliver the crucial techniques and skills to help people make needed behavior changes. These techniques, including the use of the Stages of Change model, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and skilled Active Listening, support practical interventions for owner’s behaviors such as those around diet, exercise, weight control, and breeding; the text also supports professionals through difficult conversations such as euthanasia, hoarding, and giving up ownership. These approaches have been found to improve outcomes for animals as well as engagement with workers by owners. This way of working also reduces psychological burden on workers and help with job satisfaction.
To aid in reader comprehension, Practical Human Behaviour Change for the Health and Welfare of Animals is complemented by case examples, analogies, and exercises. A supporting website provides worksheets and resources to further support the reader’s learning and help put skills into practice.
Written by a highly qualified author with more than 20 years of experience in human behaviour change for animal welfare, the book discusses topics such as:
- What helps people change―and what doesn’t―covering traditional techniques that are less likely to help, and alternative methods that have been proven to support behavioral change in others
- Principles and key ideas underpinning motivational interviewing and active listening skills for motivational interviewing
- Structuring conversations with a focus, developing understanding of the owner’s situation and experiences, working with ambivalence, and supporting people to prepare for change
- Preparing for action via goal setting and action planning, supporting people to move into making changes and to maintain change in the long-term
Practical Human Behaviour Change for the Health and Welfare of Animals is a valuable resource for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and animal care providers; it is also highly useful for animal welfare and sanctuary workers, animal rehoming workers, and individuals working in health, environmental, and trading standards where animal welfare issues are encountered.
About the Author
The Author
Bronwen Williams, RMN, BSc, PGCHE, MSc, is a UK Registered Mental Health Nurse and independent trainer and educator. Her courses include motivational interviewing for NHS and Social Care staff as well as animal welfare workers. She has an interest in the impact of animals on human mental health. She has worked in the NHS over four decades and previously for 30 years as a volunteer welfare officer for an equine welfare charity, all in the UK.
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