Exploring the role of pets in social work research: Enhancing qualitative methods through the researcher-participant-pet dynamic

INTRODUCTION: Social work researchers engage with a diverse range of participants, stakeholders, and clients, many of whom share a deep bond with animals, particularly household pets. For example, in 2022, statistics revealed that 61% of Australian households and 64% of households in Aotearoa New Zealand owned a pet. To enhance their research, social workers are encouraged to adapt their skills in building rapport, demonstrating empathy, and employing critical questioning techniques to effectively connect with research participants. However, despite qualitative research training provided to emerging social workers, this training often overlooks the significance and opportunity of participants’ relationships with their pets. This gap is significant as the context of research interactions is rapidly changing, with online and digital methods of data collection becoming more common in qualitative research. Connecting with pets can help social work researchers foster connection in challenging, and often disconnected, environments. METHODS: Reflecting on research experiences and interview transcripts that involved interactions with pets, we explore how the researcher-participant-pet dynamic influences the research process and can be used to facilitate deeper connections with research participants. FINDINGS: Through examining these specific examples, including in-person and online interviews, as well as Zoom focus groups, we emphasise the importance of recognising and incorporating pets as part of the research process. CONCLUSIONS: If social work researchers aim to adopt a more inclusive approach encompassing the human-animal connection in their practice it is essential to integrate such perspectives in traditional research methods.