Society of Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)

About SCAS

SCAS is a membership organisation for anyone interested in companion animals and the many ways in which they enhance health and wellbeing. People are interested in the bond between people and companion animals for a variety of reasons. Many pet owners see their pets as a valued member of the family and they simply enjoy the companionship and unconditional love their pet brings. 

We support pet owners, practitioners, students and researchers in their quest to understand more about this unique bond through information, publications, training and events.

The work of SCAS

Pet Bereavement Support Service
Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death, parting, or enforced separation, can be a sad and difficult experience. Our Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS), run jointly with The Blue Cross, is able to help pet owners through this traumatic time.

Open from 08.30-20.30 every day, you can call the support line on 0800 096 6606. You can also email our support service at pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk

Information exchange
We produce a range of human-companion animal bond publications, maintain a reference library of research findings for our members, host bespoke events and provide expert opinion on the bond to encourage positive pet policy and practice.

Education and training
SCAS delivers face-to-face, distance learning and online training in:
•    animal-assisted interventions
•    the human-companion animal bond
•    therapy dogs
•    pet loss.

Research
We promote and disseminate research into the effects of pet ownership and interaction on different groups in society – for example, pets and older people.

Helping vulnerable groups in society
In recent years, our work has focused on areas such as:
•    Encouraging sheltered housing and residential care homes for older people to adopt pro-pets policies; our Pets for Life campaign is ongoing
•    Advising on animal-assisted intervention programmes, standards and training
•    Supporting people who have lost a much-loved pet

How you can get involved

There are many different ways in which you can help SCAS in its work to promote the health and social benefits of interactions between people and companion animals.

Become a member of SCAS
SCAS members play a vital role in furthering the work of the charity. Members can access a wealth of information about the bond, receive discounts on publications, events and training and have the opportunity to lend their expertise and get involved in our work.

Make a donation
You can make a one-off payment or set up a direct debit donation. This will help us to continue our work. 

Pets for Life campaign
You can support our Pets for Life campaign which seeks to highlight the devastating impact on older people if forced to give up a pet when moving into a care home or sheltered housing facility. Visit the Pets for Life section of our website for further information.

Become a volunteer
The Pet Bereavement Support Service relies on a team of volunteers who respond to calls and emails on our support line. We're always looking for volunteers with a warm telephone manner, excellent listening skills and an understanding of the human-companion animal bond.

For more information visit www.scas.org.uk

Back to all partners >>>>