About us

The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) was established in 1979 to promote the study of human-companion animal interactions and raise awareness of the importance of pets in society. 

Over the past thirty years SCAS has established itself as the leading human-companion animal bond organisation in the UK. 

Our work

SCAS work focuses on four key areas:

Information exchange

We produce a range of human-companion animal bond publications, maintain a reference library of research findings for our members, host an annual conference, and provide expert opinion on the bond to encourage positive pet policy and practice.

Education and training

SCAS delivers training to health, social care and veterinary professionals, in animal-assisted interventions, the human-companion animal bond and pet loss.

Research

We carry out our own research into the effects of pet ownership and interaction on different groups in society – for example, pets and older people. We also offer a research scholarship.

Helping vulnerable groups in society

In recent years, our work has focused on areas such as:

• encouraging sheltered housing and residential care homes for older people to adopt pro-pets policies; our Pets for Life campaign is ongoing
• highlighting the benefits of pets for children's health and education
• advising on animal-assisted therapy programmes and training
• supporting people who have lost a much-loved pet