Extension project on education in responsible pet ownership and birth control in dogs in the municipality of Jaboticabal/SP: a partnership model between public authority and university together with the professional health residence program

Abstract

The lack of information available to society about health education, especially regarding zoonotic diseases and responsible ownership, directly impacts the well-being of dogs. The aim of this paper is to present the extension project on responsible ownership and birth control of dogs promoted by the City Hall of Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil, and Unesp Jaboticabal campus, as an incentive for higher education institutions to reproduce the partnership. The joint action of the Department of Defense and Animal Protection, duly advised by participating veterinarians, was fundamental in the challenging role of identifying owners and their vulnerable and unneutered animals, as well as in understanding and adressing their doubts, making them aware of their responsibilities related to the breeding and care of dogs, and the importance and safety of participating in the project. Over the course of one year, 140 animals were screened, with 90 undergoing surgical sterilization, and 38 deemed unfit were referred for treatment. This demonstrates how the union between the wealth of technical knowledge in higher education institutions and public authorities can have a positive impact on society.