SCAS 2026 Conference to Explore the Past, Present and Future of Companion Animal Studies
Leading voices will examine the evidence, policy and practice shaping human–animal relationships at the Society for Companion Studies (SCAS) online conference on Sunday 18 October 2026.
23 September 2026 - The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) will bring together researchers, practitioners and advocates for Companion Animal Studies: The Past, the Present and the Future, a thought-provoking online conference examining how human–animal relationships have evolved and where the field is heading next.
SCAS President and Emeritus Professor Dr James Serpell will deliver the keynote address on the state of the field, setting the stage for a wide-ranging programme spanning research, welfare, policy and practice. The conference will connect historical insight with present-day challenges and fresh ideas for the future of animal-assisted services and the human–animal bond.
Programme highlights
Human–animal relationships across time: lessons from the past, realities of the present and directions for the future
Pets and parents: companion animals and peri- and postnatal mothers
Changing landscapes in animal welfare: policy, law and emerging challenges affecting companion and exotic animals
Mentorship, culture and the human–animal bond in Africa
Human–animal connections: future directions for prison-based programmes
The science of human–animal interactions: cutting-edge research shaping the future of animal-assisted services
Reflections and future pathways: integrating insights from human–animal research around the world
Registration is now open. Register at https://www.scas.org.uk/conference
A limited allocation of early bird tickets is available on a first-come, first-served basis. SCAS members receive discounted conference registration, with annual membership priced at £25 or £15 for students. Membership also includes free access to SCAS’s monthly webinars. Join at https://www.scas.org.uk/membership.
Members of IAHAIO—including full, associate and student members of ISAZ—may register at the SCAS member rate. The SCAS student member rate is reserved for SCAS student members.
About SCAS
The Society for Companion Animal Studies is a pioneering organisation that has promoted the study of human–companion animal interactions and raised awareness of the importance of pets in society since 1979. SCAS supports evidence-based research, education and practice designed to enhance the wellbeing of people and animals.
Media enquiries: Please contact Dr. Sandra McCune, SCAS Communications Team, for interviews, speaker information and further conference details. Email: drsandramccune@gmail.com