diff --git a/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/model/Pet.java b/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/model/Pet.java
index 6ba6ffdcd..b6e7b9603 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/model/Pet.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/springframework/samples/petclinic/model/Pet.java
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ public class Pet extends NamedEntity {
         return this.owner;
     }
 
-    protected void setOwner(Owner owner) {
+    public void setOwner(Owner owner) {
         this.owner = owner;
     }