Objective Veterinarians and their clients are using online information to improve pets’ health. There are no comprehensive frameworks, theories and models to intervene and evaluate online health information seeking behaviour (HISB) of pet owners. The objective of this paper was to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and propose a model for evaluating and intervening pet owner's HISB. Methods The framework emerges from a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis. NVivo 10 was used in this paper as an analysis tool for coding text and for supporting framework generation through identifying patterns. Results We indicate the most influencing factors on online HISB of pet owners, types of interventions for enhancing pet health information consumer skills and possible pet health outcomes. The themes identified from the literature review have been resulted into the development of a model for investigating pet owners’ health information behaviour interventions. Discussion We strengthen our findings further by learning from health behaviour models. Based on adaptation of the interaction model of client health behaviour, we developed our initial model. Conclusion This model serves as an initial step to engage health librarians and veterinarians for planning on pet health information outreach. However, future studies need to test the proposed model in various case studies and populations.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between pet owner’s combined knowledge, comfort, and perceived skills at finding, evaluating, applying online pet health information, and the application of the information prescription (IP) provided for pet owners education on the internet. Methods: Thirty telephone interviews were conducted followed by a questionnaire of eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) with pet owners after receiving an IP with a suggested websites in addition to their customary veterinary services in a vet clinic at the center of Tehran, Iran. Qualitative and quantitative data were merged to explore differences and similarities among respondents with different eHealth literacy levels. Results: Results indicate that pet owners with higher score of eHealth literacy more accessed the suggested websites and reported positive feelings about this addition to their veterinary services. Similarly, among the eight-item self-reported eHealth Literacy skills, perceived skills at evaluating and applying, were significantly associated with the use of IPs. Lastly eHealth literacy level was significantly associated with the outcomes of prescribed information, such as veterinarians-client communication outcome and learning outcomes.  Conclusion: Disparities in application of the veterinarian’s IPs for online pet healthcare information, and its outcomes are associated with different eHealth literacy skills. Veterinarians should collaborate with information specialists and librarians to perform education efforts to raise awareness on online pet health information quality and impact of veterinarian directed information prescription especially among low health literate owners.

PurposeThis paper introduces more-than-human perspective in information behaviour and information experience studies. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to understandings of the concept of multispecies families by exploring their significant dimensions related to information phenomena involving multiple contexts, situations, spaces, actors, species, and activities.Design/methodology/approachBased on previous research in human information behaviour and human-animal studies, our ideas around information experience of multispecies families are developed conceptually. The paper builds both on previous empirical findings about human information behaviour and the new domain of information experience.FindingsThe paper proposes a holistic approach both to information phenomena in everyday living with companion animals including embodied, affective, cognitive, social, digital, and objectual information that shapes pet care and management practices, and to the context of study, including work, domestic, and leisure aspects of multispecies family.Originality/valueThis study broadens our understanding of information phenomena in multispecies families, and so contributes to the field of information experience. It also provides insights for animal welfare scientists to help them understand the information behaviour of humans who are responsible for keeping and caring for animals.

No abstract

BackgroundStudies on information behaviour related to companion animal's (pet) health have been carried out in different contexts and there have been attempts to modify and idealize these information behaviours.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to apply the Pet Health Information Behaviour Intervention model in an empirical context and elaborate the theoretical contribution of the model to information behaviour research in the context of pet care and management.MethodsAll the variables of the proposed model were quantified and tested through case study research involving 20 participants. Each case consisted of a guardian who participated in the information intervention program with their cat(s) and/or dog(s) in a small animal hospital, with a follow‐up interview after 2 weeks.ResultsThe information prescription helped both the experienced Internet searchers and the less health literate guardians. The pet guardians were particularly appreciative of the advice on evaluating and using online health information. The higher guardian‐pet bond, the more the participant used the tips to search online information. The information prescription helped the relationship with the veterinary professional through improved data gathering and perception of the professional‐guardian partnership.ConclusionThe model will assist both information professionals and animal health providers to better design and evaluate information interventions that support pet welfare.