Dr Elizabeth Ormerod BVMS
This was a few weeks ago, and it got me reflecting on some of my more difficult consultations. As a young veterinarian I was very direct when informing clients if their beloved companions were obese. This approach was ineffective as the clients didn’t follow my well-meaning advice. In fact, many of these clients became very angry, did not return to the surgery, and I lost the opportunity to care for their animals.
Continue readingWe are excited to share that Hartpury University has launched the first UK Masters degree in Animal Assisted Counselling and Psychotherapy, this is a course ONLY for people who have already have been practicing as a BPS, BACP or UKCP accredited counsellor or psychotherapist for at least a year and having clinical supervision during this time.
There are still some places left to enrol! Read more about the course from SCAS Member and Hartpury Senior Lecturer, Dr. Clare Thomas-Pino:
Continue readingSafe Animal Friendly Environments (SAFE) is a companion-animal, multi-species risk management tool that was developed in 2021 by an Australian team of expert academics, veterinarians, (human) health and consumer representatives. This project was supported by a SCAS research grant, awarded in the 2020 funding cycle to Dr Janette Young, University of South Australia.
This resource was created as a framework that could assist in the process of assessing how companion animals across the key species that live in close human contact could safely be included in communal aged care settings.
A new page has been added to the appendix in 2024, based on advice from a physiotherapist (page 31)
Download the SAFE Toolkit for free here:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Researchers and practitioners will come together at the SCAS annual conference on Sunday 20th October 2024 to shape the future of safe and compassionate Animal Assistance Services through interdisciplinary innovation.
This year’s SCAS conference theme is ‘Interdisciplinary Innovation: How can we advance research and practice in human-animal interactions?’. Leading UK and international experts will share the latest research and practice in human-animal interactions will discuss topics relevant to Animal Assistance Services (AAS).
Continue readingFantastic news for pets and people who rent their home in the UK. SCAS has been advocating for positive pets in housing regulations since its inception in 1979, and we are pleased that the new UK Government are going ahead with the Renters Rights Bill. This bill includes the same rights regarding pet ownership as the Renters Reform Bill that was prorogued by dissolution of Parliament.
The King’s Speech on 17 July 2024 signalled the beginning of a new parliamentary session and a new Labour Government. King Charles III announced the government would give ‘greater rights and protections to people renting their homes.’
#PetsinHousing
The SCAS Code of Practice in AAI was initially published in 2013 and revised in 2019. It serves as a guide for professionals, patients, and the public, outlining crucial steps to achieve best practices. As part of the SCAS Code of Practice Workshop, held at the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) annual conference, delegates will engage in an activity designed to assist SCAS in collecting valuable information and filtering ideas from experts, professionals, and the public. This input will inform the future update of the Code as it is a living document. Join the SCAS2024 Annual Conference (online) in October for an update on the SCAS Code of Practice.
Continue readingThe Bob Harvey Award, jointly created by The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) and Fostering Compassion, recognises a care home, hospital, hospice, or care facility that has gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep older people and their companion animals together.
Nominations are welcomed from anyone who is aware of any facility (anywhere in the world) worthy of consideration. The winner will be chosen by a panel of experts and will be announced at the annual SCAS conference on 20 October 2024.
Download a nomination form here
Read more about the Bob Harvey Award below. The story of Bob and his little dog Darcie illustrates why it is so very important to protect the human-companion animal bond.
Continue readingSCAS member Kris Hill has published a paper in Anthrozoös, ‘To Roam or Stay Home? Understanding “Pet Parenting” Types in Relation to the Indoor/Outdoor Cat Debate’ (Read here: Open access!). The findings of the study were also the subject of a SCAS Webinar, ‘Coddled Companions or Pet Prisoners? Understanding ‘pet parenting’ types in relation to the ‘indoor versus outdoor cat’ debate.’ Recordings of passed SCAS webinars are available for a small fee (contact info@scas.org.uk).
Continue readingThe Bob Harvey Award, jointly created by The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) and Fostering Compassion, recognises a care home, hospital, hospice, or care facility that has gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep older people and their companion animals together.
Nominations are welcomed from anyone who is aware of any facility (anywhere in the world) worthy of consideration. The winner will be chosen by a panel of experts and will be announced at the annual SCAS conference on 20 October 2024.
Learn more and download a nomination form here
Nominations close 30 Sept 2024
Embracing Connection: How Companion Animals Can Help Combat Loneliness
By SCAS member, Lori Hoy.
Loneliness Awareness Week, held from 10-16 June this year, is a crucial time for reflection and action. It reminds us of the importance of human connection and the profound impact loneliness can have on our mental and physical well-being. Loneliness Awareness Week, created and hosted by the Marmalade Trust, is a week dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness across the UK (and beyond!) It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations about loneliness. This year’s theme is ‘Random Acts of Connection’ which “encourages everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection which help us feel happier and less lonely”.
At the Society of Companion Animal Studies (SCAS), we believe that our beloved pets can play a significant role in alleviating feelings of loneliness. This week, we want to highlight how companion animals can help prevent loneliness, backed by scientific evidence, and explore how you and your pet can make a difference.
Continue reading