From Knowing to Doing: Changing Human Behaviour to Improve Companion Animal Welfare

Animal welfare starts with understanding animals. But improving their lives often means changing human behaviour. In this international programme, you discover why people make certain choices about their pets and how behavioural science can help create positive change. Work with students from different countries on real-world animal welfare challenges and turn knowledge into practical solutions.
Education type
Blended Intensive Programme
Field of interest
Animal sciences
Period
Spring
Duration
1 week
Introduction

Change human behaviour. Improve animal welfare.

What if improving animal welfare starts with changing the way people think and act?

Many welfare problems affecting companion animals are closely linked to human choices. From overfeeding and irresponsible breeding to behavioural problems and inadequate preventive care, people's actions can have a major impact on animals' lives.

But providing information is not always enough to change behaviour.

During this international programme, you explore the connection between human behaviour and companion animal welfare. You discover how behavioural science, communication and cultural perspectives can help people make better decisions for their animals.

Together with students from different countries, you work on a real-world Animal Welfare Behaviour Change Challenge. Your goal? Develop an evidence-based intervention that can make a difference.

Is this programme for you?

  • You care about companion animals

    You want to improve the lives of pets and are curious about the relationship between animal welfare, human choices and responsible pet ownership.

  • You want to understand human behaviour

    You are interested in why people act the way they do and how psychology, communication and behavioural science can encourage positive change.

  • You enjoy international collaboration

    You want to exchange perspectives with students from different countries and work together on practical solutions to animal welfare challenges.

What will you learn?

During the programme, you learn to approach companion animal welfare challenges from a behavioural perspective.

  • Understand the human-animal bond. Explore how people relate to companion animals and how cultural differences influence attitudes and decisions.
  • Apply behavioural science. Discover how the COM-B model and Behaviour Change Wheel can help you understand behaviour and identify opportunities for change.
  • Explore real-world welfare challenges. Investigate issues such as pet obesity, breeding-related health problems, responsible acquisition and preventive care.
  • Learn from professionals. Meet stakeholders in the companion animal sector and discover how animal welfare challenges are addressed in practice.
  • Design an intervention. Work in an international team to develop an evidence-based approach that encourages positive behavioural change.
  • Present your solution. Pitch your intervention, strengthen your English communication skills and build your international network.

Quick facts

  • Programme: Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme
  • Location: Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Dronten
  • Format: Blended learning
  • On-site: 24-28 May 2027
  • Online: Week 16 and 19 2027
  • Credits: 3 ECTS
  • language: English, B2 level or higher
  • Application deadline: To be announced
Programme content

How does the programme work?

The programme combines online preparation with an intensive international week in Dronten. You earn a total of 3 ECTS while exploring how human behaviour can be changed to improve companion animal welfare.

Costs

Costs and Erasmus+ funding

Programme fee
Participation in the educational programme itself is free of charge.

Accommodation, transport and meals
Aeres University of Applied Sciences may request a contribution of up to €400 for accommodation, transportation and meals during the on-site programme. The final arrangements and amount should be confirmed before publication.

Erasmus+ funding
Depending on your eligibility and your home institution's arrangements, Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme funding may be available to contribute towards travel and subsistence costs.
Contact the International Office at your home institution for information about funding and the application procedure.

Can you participate?

This programme could be a good fit if you:

  • are interested in companion animal welfare and the human-animal bond;

  • have basic knowledge of animal welfare;

  • are curious about human behaviour, communication and behavioural change;

  • enjoy practical challenges and international teamwork;

  • can communicate in English at B2 level or higher.

how to apply

How to apply

  • Interested in joining this international programme?
    For more information about the programme and the application procedure, contact the programme coordinator.
    Loes Spit
    Department of Animal Health and Management
    Aeres University of Applied Sciences

  • Questions about Erasmus+?
    Contact your home institution's Erasmus+ coordinator or the Aeres UAS International Office.
    The application deadline for spring 2027 will be announced.
Practical matters

Frequently Asked Questions

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