Author: jill@animal-centric.com

Dr Jill Fernandes is an animal welfare scientist and consultant dedicated to shaping a better world for animals. Growing up on a farm in Missouri surrounded by cattle, horses, dogs, cats, foxes, deer, and quail, Jill has a deep-seated interest in the workings of nature and the social behaviour of animals, including humans. Jill has a PhD in Environmental Science and Policy from The Leonard and Jayne Abess Center at The University of Miami. She is a Fulbright Scholar and a Graduate Research Fellow of the National Science Foundation. She undertook scientific research on a range of topics in the environmental and animal sciences at the University of Heidelberg, the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and The University of Queensland before moving into consulting. She writes books and articles about animals, offers courses and workshops, and develops strategies with zoos and aquariums, farms, and other organisations with animals under their care to ensure that all animals can live the best lives possible.

HEY: A free welfare assessment tool for horses

What is the HEY? I’ve collaborated with experts at World Horse Welfare and equine welfare scientist Cristina Wilkins to produce this free welfare assessment tool for horses living on yards or in group settings, called the HEY (Horses’ Experiences on Yards). The HEY is based on the Five Domains Model of animal welfare assessment developed […]

Animal Welfare in a Nutshell

Definitions can be useful. They ensure that we’re all talking about the same thing. And in that regard, they can bring clarity. Clarity is an essential ingredient to shaping a better world for animals. The term “animal welfare” has been and continues to be defined in many different ways across the literature. It would appear […]

Ask the Animal

There is nothing more central to animal welfare science than asking the animal. But although we interact with animals every day at work and at home, we often see them as passive subjects of our plans rather than feeling individuals who are open to being asked. I believe we should change this perspective, and here’s […]