An Introduction to the Society for Companion Animal Studies

The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is a pioneering organisation dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of people and companion animals. Established in 1979, SCAS has been at the forefront of research, education, and advocacy in the field of human-animal interactions.

History and Mission

SCAS was founded in 1979 by a group of professionals who felt that human-animal interactions were worthy of study. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for both people and animals through the study and promotion of these interactions. Companion animals play a crucial role in improving human health and well-being, and SCAS strives to advance this understanding through rigorous scientific research and practical applications. Over the past forty-six years SCAS has established itself as a source of evidence on best practices in human-animal interactions.

Our Mission: we consistently strive to enhance the well-being of people and animals by promoting and supporting their interactions to our members, practitioners in the field, healthcare professionals, the animal welfare sector and anyone interested in companion animals and the many ways they enhance health and well-being.

Mission Statement

To promote One Health One Welfare, recognising the connections between animal welfare, human wellbeing and the shared environment.

Aims

  • Promote the health and wellbeing benefits of human-animal interactions.

  • Be a well respected source of evidence-based knowledge of human-animal interactions.

  • Encourage best practice protocols in animal-assisted interventions/services.

  • Contribute to the development of policies and practices that protect and support the human-companion animal bond.

  • Provide resources and training to help ensure interactions between people and companion animals are mutually beneficial.

Founders of SCAS

The founders, who hailed from both the UK and the USA, were veterinarians Dr Andrew Edney, Dr Mary Stewart, Dr Bruce Fogle, Dr Andrew Yoxall and Doug Brodie; psychiatrists Dr Michael McCulloch and Dr Aaron Katcher; Dr Roger Mugford a psychologist and behaviourist; Dr James Serpell, ethologist; Dr Stuart Hutton, social worker; and Dorothy Walster, a health educationist.  

All distinguished pioneers in their own fields, they brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organisation. They recognised that companion animals play a crucial role in improving human health and well-being and were dedicated to advancing this understanding through rigorous scientific research and practical applications. Their vision and commitment laid the groundwork for SCAS' mission and initiatives, and their contributions continue to influence the organisation's work today. Their collective vision was to enhance the quality of life for both people and animals through the study and promotion of human-animal interactions.

In addition to their individual expertise, the founders of SCAS collaborated with universities, research institutions, other organisations and colleagues from many disciplines, to conduct extensive research on the benefits of human-animal interactions. Their studies provided valuable insights into the physiological, psychological, and social effects of these interactions, and their findings have been published in numerous scientific journals. Their research contributed to the growing body of evidence supporting the positive impact of companion animals on human health and has informed the development of SCAS' programmes and advocacy efforts.

The legacy of the founders of SCAS is evident in the organisation's ongoing commitment to promoting the health and welfare of both people and animals. Their pioneering work has had a lasting impact on the field of human-animal studies, and their vision continues to guide SCAS' efforts to enhance the quality of life for all through the power of companion animals.

Anthrozoology

Anthrozoology is the interdisciplinary study of interactions between humans and other animals.  It encompasses various fields such as anthropology, ethnology, medicine, psychology, veterinary medicine, social work and zoology.  Researchers in anthrozoology examine the roles animals play in human societies, the benefits of human-animal bonds, and the ethical considerations surrounding these interactions. Such study is crucial for understanding the impact of companion animals on human health and well-being, and it provides valuable insights that inform the work of SCAS.

The field has grown significantly in the last 50 years, with numerous academic programs and organisations dedicated to human-animal studies worldwide.

One Health One Welfare

SCAS is aligned with the principles of One Health One Welfare which highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal health and well-being for both humans and animals. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of human-animal interactions, as it underscores the significance of the bond between people and their companion animals. Research has shown that pets can have a positive impact on human health, providing emotional support, reducing stress, and promoting physical activity. Conversely, the welfare of animals is also influenced by their interactions with humans, as responsible pet ownership and proper care are essential for their well-being.

SCAS has been at the forefront of promoting One Health One Welfare through various initiatives and research projects. The organisation's guidelines for animal-assisted interventions and services ensure that both people and animals receive the highest standards of care in therapeutic settings. These guidelines emphasise the importance of safety, ethical considerations, and the well-being of all participants, aligning with the principles of One Health One Welfare.

In addition to promoting the health and welfare of companion animals, SCAS also advocates for pet-inclusive housing and the introduction of pets into nursing homes and other institutions, including prisons. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality of life for both people and animals by fostering positive human-animal interactions.

The SCAS Pet Loss Support Service, launched in 1994, provides support to individuals grieving the loss of their companion animals, further highlighting the organisation's commitment to One Health One Welfare.

The concept of One Health One Welfare is gaining recognition worldwide, with numerous academic programmes and organisations dedicated to human-animal studies. This approach is particularly relevant in addressing contemporary health challenges, such as zoonotic diseases, environmental sustainability, and mental health. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting the welfare of both humans and animals, One Health One Welfare offers a comprehensive framework for improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for all.

SCAS' commitment to One Health One Welfare is evident in its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, conduct research, and advocate for policies that support the health and well-being of both people and animals. Through its initiatives and collaborations, SCAS continues to contribute to the growing recognition of the importance of human-animal interactions in achieving optimal health and welfare outcomes.