Dear SHAIRers and BERGers, Here are details of the talk next week (Teams link is below): [cid:b0f8bd96-3afc-4d2d-aa08-f776284a42e4] The Complex Interplay between the Human-Animal Bond, Perinatal Mental Health, and Companion Animal Welfare Dr Roxanne Hawkins, University of Edinburgh Wednesday 28 January 2026, 4-5pm Psychology Common Room ‘watch party’ (C.3A94) or via Teams<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0> Abstract The perinatal period, which includes pregnancy and up to a child’s first year of life, is a known significant transitional time for a family, and new mothers have a heightened risk for developing mental health difficulties. Pets can offer protective benefits by enhancing coping and resilience, yet wellbeing benefits perinatally remain unresearched. There’s also a lack of investigation into pet welfare during the perinatal period, despite the likelihood of pets being affected by perinatal changes. This study used qualitative reports from new and expecting mothers with dogs and/or cats to explore the interplay between the human–pet bond, maternal mental health, and pet welfare. Findings highlight shifts in human–pet bonds, the nature of human-pet interactions, changes in pet behaviour, pet aversion, unsafe baby–pet interactions, and the impact of shifting priorities on pet wellbeing and relinquishment. In this talk, I will share these findings with a focus on parents’ support needs around companion animals, and discuss how tailored resources and interventions can both safeguard pet welfare and promote maternal mental health during this important transitional life stage. ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159