Tag Archives: Pets in Housing

The Bob Harvey Award: Recognising the Importance of Keeping Older People and their Companion Animals Together

The 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.

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2024 Bob Harvey Award Nominations Now Open

The 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

‘No Pet’ Covenants and the Law

The use of ‘no pet’ covenants in private rental housing is a contentious subject in the UK and many other countries. In a new article by Dr. Debbie Rook and Prof. Brinda Jegatheesan, members of the International Steering Group on Pets & Housing initiated by SCAS, a Harm Assessment approach is proposed to the use of ‘no pet’ covenants in private rental housing. 

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Street Paws founder recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours List

The New Year Honours List recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.

SCAS member Michelle Southern, founder of Street Paws, has been awarded the OBE in the New year Honours List. Founded in Newcastle in 2016, the charity provides free accessible veterinary care and support to homeless people and their pets across the UK. The charity helps both people and their pets by enabling them to stay together, protecting the human animal bond and ensuring the companion animals receive essential care. SCAS recognises the important of human-animal bond, especially for vulnerable persons. Furthermore, animal shelters are overwhelmed and many of the older animals would not be easily rehomed.

We are delighted that Michelle’s dedication and the important work of Street Paws is being recognised with this much deserved award.

Michelle Southern BCAv – Founder & Director of Street Paws (Photo taken from website)

21 December 2023: Homeless Persons Memorial Day

On the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, people in our communities will die without a home.

Organised by the National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Consumer Advisory Board, and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NCHC), this is a day to “remember those who have died and strengthen our resolve to work for a world where no life is lived or lost in homelessness”.

SCAS recognises the devastating effects of vulnerable people being forced to choose between a roof over their head and their beloved companion animals. #Petsandhousing is an important issue, supported by SCAS and our partners (My Dog is My Home; AdvoCATSeastmids; and others) through supporting evidence-based research, education, policy change (The John Chadwick Pet Policy), and raising awareness.

#removebarriers

Read more about how to support the cause or organise a memorial for someone who died homeless:

Big Issue article on John Chadwick Pet Policy

The Big Issue just published a wonderful article by Dee Bonnet who, with the support of SCAS, has worked with Maidstone Borough Council to develop the John Chadwick Pet Policy. The tragic loss of John Chadwick really hits home why #Petinhousing is such an important issue and remains one of SCAS’s priorities. John’s friend Dee Bonnet channelled her grief into ensuring other vulnerable individuals never experienced the heart-breaking dilemma of choosing between their beloved companions and a roof over their head. Maidstone Borough Council developed the #TheJohnChadwickPetPolicy and we hope other councils will soon adopt similar policies. Dee Bonnet set up a Change.org petition that you can sign to show your support. We hope other councils will soon adopt similar policies.

Read the article here:https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/john-chadwick-took-his-own-life-when-he-was-separated-from-his-pets-his-friend-is-campaigning-for-change/

Recognition for the John Chadwick Pet Policy

Dee Bonett and Maidstone Borough Council have won a much-deserved award for their partnership driving new pet-friendly housing policy following the tragic suicide of John Chadwick. The John Chadwick Pet Policy ensures that those with pets who have become homeless are supported in Emergency Accommodation until suitable permanent accommodation can be found – for both the homeless person and their pet. SCAS is proud to have supported Dee as she worked with Maidstone Borough Council to develop this new policy together.

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