Janette Young

Dr. Janette Young is a casual lecturer in the Allied Health & Human Performance department at the University of South Australia (UniSA), based at the City East Campus. Her work focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of human-animal interactions, health promotion, and aging populations. Key areas include animal-assisted interventions, elder care dynamics, and mental health through a multispecies lens.

Her research explores topics such as the role of pets in suicide prevention among older adults, risks and benefits of companion animals in aged care facilities, and stroke recovery protocols using canine therapy. Notable projects include the DOgSS initiative at Royal Adelaide Hospital and development of the SAFE risk management framework.

Dr. Young has contributed to policy recommendations regarding pet ownership in healthcare settings, veterans' wellness programs, and equity in leisure access for marginalized groups. Her work often emphasizes ethical considerations for both human and animal participants in health interventions.

Publications span over two decades, with recent emphasis on global health equity, animal welfare in urban environments, and pandemic-era insights into human-pet relationships during crises.