Working Dogs and One Health

This seminar is part of the Animal Matters Seminar Series presented by Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy and Office of Continuing Education Programs

Where: Agnes Varis Auditorium (AVA), Agnes Varis Campus Center - Joining remotely? Register in advance here to join by Zoom

Speaker: Meera Gatlin DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVPM, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

Working dogs are an essential part of modern society, and police canines (K9s) in the United States are amongst the most recognizable of all working dogs. There is limited published data on active police dog use in the United States and with calls for police reform, an interdisciplinary effort is needed to understand how we can use these dogs beneficially in society. Police K9s are unique in that their spectrum of work ranges from authoritarian and punitive to participatory and community-based, mirroring the role of law enforcement in U.S. society today. This presentation will summarize ongoing research using frameworks like animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for working dog well-being, the human–animal bond for officer safety and canine partnership, and law enforcement and public health agendas (LEPH) for team efforts in built environments and local neighborhoods. The talk will discuss how a One Health perspective can support police canine contributions to society and promote public safety in local communities.

Made possible by the generous support of the Elizabeth A. Lawrence Endowed Fund

Event is good for 1 interactive CEU in all states that recognize AVMA-approved continuing education providers. A registration QR code will be posted for in person attendance.