Related links

  • Tell us your newsStudents, researchers and practitioners are encouraged to submit news and articles for publication in The SCAS Journal, and on the SCAS website.
  • Barbro Westerholm speech 2010Barbro Westerholm, Member of the Swedish Parliament, calls for greater analysis of research on issues relating to pets and older people (IAHAIO confrence, July 2010).
  • Support our Pets for Life campaign SCAS wants to ensure that all leading UK housing providers implement responsible pet policies that enable older people to make an informed choice about their future.

Volunteer

woman and small dog

Find out more about becoming a volunteer with the Pet Bereavement Support Service.

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Training: Progress and plans

14th December 2011

2011 has been a busy year for SCAS training delivery. Another successful course in Animal-Assisted Interventions in Therapeutic Practice saw a fantastic and varied group of practitioners bring a wide variety of experience and questions to the table for our expert and guest speakers. Boy, dog and wheelchair

If you’re interested in getting involved in AAI but perhaps need a few pointers and background to what it is all about and how it can be used you may be interested in our new, soon-to-be-launched, distance learning course Introduction to Animal-Assisted Interventions. This course is delivered entirely online and in the comfort of your own environment with tutor support. Register your interest in this course.

Therapy dogs

This year we also introduced our new Practical Training for Therapy Dogs – level 1 course, a two-day workshop with internationally renowned trainer and behaviourist Nina Bondarenko for those interested in, or already working in a therapeutic environment. Two wonderful groups of dogs joined us with their humans at the Dogs Trust training barn in London and much was learned by all. Interest in this course continues to grow so we are planning more for next year, both in London and further north to meet the popular demand. We will also be looking to run a more advanced course, Level 2, to build upon the skills and activities already learnt.

Webinars

Another exciting development for 2012 will be our new series of SCAS online webinars in a variety of subjects that focus around the human–companion animal bond, including pet bereavement support and animal-assisted therapy. Guest speakers will also contribute to the webinar programme which will be displayed and accessible from the training pages of our website. It’s a great way to access training and research when time and resources are limited. We will of course continue to deliver our Pet Loss Support in Veterinary Practice distance learning course, which is very popular among veterinary surgeons, nurses and receptionists alike, and we are excited to be working with both the BSAVA and the BVNA to provide wider accessibility to pet loss support and training.

CPD workshops

Through 2011 we delivered training and CPD workshops to a variety of clients including veterinary practices, pet crematoriums, assistance programmes and education outlets throughout the UK and Europe. If you are looking for a face-to-face format for your training and CPD, SCAS are always happy to find and provide a suitable and tailored solution for your needs. For more information, dates and booking for all your training needs please visit the SCAS website or email us.