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.

Have you ever wondered who is behind SCAS’s social media posts, website updates, and emails? The Communications Team is a group of dedicated individuals who bring diverse skills and experience, while all sharing the same passion for the human–companion animal bond.

As part of our efforts to deliver our ambitious communications plan, we recently welcomed three new volunteers to the team: ParizadBaria-Unwalla, Émilie Crossley, and Lori Hoy.

Get ready to meet the people driving our communication efforts forward!

Kris Hill from the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) advises suitors this Valentine’s Day (and any day!) to be mindful of their love’s beloved pets.

Avoid heartache this Valentine’s Day by ensuring the flowers you send your loved one are not dangerous to any of their companion animals.

‘It’s only an animal, get over it!’ is a cruel and heartless comment, but one that those grieving the death of a beloved companion animal are all too often confronted with. Even when friends, family, teachers, social workers, and colleagues are more tactful, it is often the case that many people simply do not understand the impact of losing a beloved pet.   

2-8 December is National Grief Awareness Week, spearheaded by The Good Grief Trust who share many wonderful resources to raise awareness and provide support to the bereaved.  In this post Kris Hill from the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) raises awareness of companion animal loss and shares some resources that may help those suffering.

Kris Hill from the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) discusses how to keep cats feeling safe and secure during the spooky season.

Boo!