Rowena Packer

Background

About Rowena Packer

I am an experienced companion animal behaviour and welfare scientist and research leader at the Royal Veterinary College. My work explores a diversity of long-standing and emerging issues in this area, and is funded by organisations including BBSRC, UFAW, Dogs Trust, AWF, Blue Cross, RSPCA, SCAS, Battersea, Research England, Kennel Club Charitable Trust and Animal Care Trust. As an experienced Principal Investigator, I have received >£2 million of research funding to date,~£1 million of which has been held as Principal Investigator. My major research interests are- Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and decision-making of key stakeholders in companion animal welfare (including owners, breeders and veterinarians) and exploring how to change them to improve animal welfare- The impact of extreme conformation on companion animal health, behaviour and welfare, particularly brachycephaly-related disorders- The intersection between companion animal health, behaviour and welfare, primarily focusing on chronic inherited diseases in dogs (e.g, epilepsy) My research incorporates a range of quantitative and qualitative methods to tackle these important questions. I am passionate about maximising the impact of my work, and have hosted a number of public engagement events, presented at international conferences in both veterinary and human medicine, interacted with print and broadcast media, engaged with a variety of stakeholders including international breed clubs and industry, created a smartphone app for dog owners and ran a social media page to promote my group's research. I currently act as- Coordinating Group member of the Animal Welfare Research Network - Founding member of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group - Founding member of the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs - Scientific Advisory Committee Member at Guide Dogs - Editorial Board Member at Scientific Reports - Trustee of the Dog Breeding Reform Group - Contributing Supporting Member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians