UK-Adaptation of the Dutch PET@home Toolkit for Clients Receiving Home Care with Pets (SAFEpet@home): A Participatory Adaptation Study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background: Pets can contribute to the wellbeing of people receiving home care but may also present practical challenges for clients, family caregivers, and professional caregivers. The Dutch PET@home Toolkit was developed to support stakeholders in addressing pet-related issues in home care. Differences in care practices and support infrastructure mean that the toolkit cannot simply be transferred to other national contexts.Objective: To adapt the Dutch PET@home Toolkit for use in the United Kingdom.Design: Participatory adaptation study using qualitative interviews and focus groups.Setting(s): Interviews and focus groups were conducted online with participants based in the United Kingdom.Participants: Twelve participants with backgrounds in social care, veterinary practice, animal welfare, and related fields contributed through individual interviews, focus groups, and/or member checking.Methods: The Dutch PET@home materials were translated into English and reviewed with UK-based stakeholders. Information relevant to adaptation was identified through a pragmatic and iterative analysis of interviews and focus groups. Suggested adaptations were incorporated into the materials and reviewed within the research team. Revised materials were subsequently returned to participants for member checking and review of UK English.Results: The adaptation resulted in the SAFEpet@home Toolkit. Key changes included greater emphasis on collaboration with veterinary practices, replacement of the Five Freedoms with the Five Domains Model, increased diversity in visual materials and represented companion animal species, and inclusion of UK-specific organisations and support resources. Other adaptations addressed practical issues such as planning for multiple pets and veterinary decision-making.Conclusions: The Dutch PET@home Toolkit was adapted to reflect UK care practices, animal welfare guidance, and support infrastructure while retaining the core principles of the original toolkit. The findings suggest that a participatory adaptation process is a feasible approach for adapting toolkits to different national contexts.
Source: PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Institution: Open University of the Netherlands
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204479280