SCAS 2025 Conference Report
Unified Voices; Why the Human-Animal Bond is important to you as Professionals
Sunday 19 October 2025
The SCAS Virtual Conference 2025, themed “Unified Voices: Why the Human-Animal Bond is Important to You as Professionals,” was an inspiring event that brought together experts and practitioners from across disciplines. Held on Sunday, 19 October, the conference explored the profound ways the human-animal bond shapes professional practice and wellbeing.
The day began with a warm welcome from the chair, who set the tone for collaboration and learning. Our keynote speaker, Professor Zenithson Ng, opened with a powerful session on Animal Assisted Services, sharing ground breaking insights into how these interventions transform lives and strengthen connections between humans and animals.
Next, Sarah Urwin and Angela Barker delivered a thought-provoking presentation on Ethical Considerations and Practical Applications of Working with Animals Therapeutically, offering practical strategies and ethical frameworks for responsible practice. Their session sparked meaningful conversations about balancing human benefit with animal welfare.
Associate Professor Rebecca Stephens followed with an introduction to Veterinary Social Work, a pioneering approach that integrates social work principles into veterinary care. Her talk highlighted the importance of supporting both clients and their animals in times of crisis.
After a networking lunch, Professors Helen Lewis and Kerstin Meints captivated delegates with their session on Animals as Members of the Classroom, demonstrating how animals can enrich educational environments, foster emotional development, and create inclusive learning spaces.
In the afternoon, Dr Clare Thomas-Pino guided attendees through Applying the SCAS Code of Practice, emphasising the importance of ethical standards and welfare considerations in all aspects of animal-assisted work. This was followed by Dr Aubrey Fine, a leading authority on Animal Assisted Therapy, who addressed the critical topic of Animal Welfare in Therapeutic Work, reminding us that the human-animal bond must always be reciprocal and respectful.
The day concluded with a lively Panel Discussion and Q&A, expertly chaired by Dr Clare Thomas-Pino, and a brief overview of the prestigious Bob Harvey Award by Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, Chair of SCAS. An honour that celebrates outstanding contributions to the field and reflects the spirit of compassion, innovation, and excellence that Bob Harvey himself embodied.
Post-conference recording has been shared with delegates
For those who attended, recordings of all sessions are now available for review. If you missed the event, you can still access the full set of recordings for a fee of £60 for SCAS members or £25 for student (non-members pay £100)—a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the insights shared throughout the day. Contact info@scas.org.uk to purchase a copy. Previous SCAS conferences are also available at reduced rates.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s event on Sunday, 18th October 2026. We look forward to seeing you there!
Kudos to Barbara Cooper and her Conference Working Group, Victoria Turner, our Comms Team and all our speakers. Many thanks to the College of Animal Welfare for hosting the conference, and to VetSkill, whose sponsorship for SCAS conferences is invaluable and deeply appreciated.