The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)

21/09/2025

Vet Times has written about the upcoming SCAS webinar with James Serpell, emeritus professor of animal welfare at the University of Pennsylvania.
There are still a few spaces left. Registration is Free to SCAS members, and a small fee to non-members. Recording available. Sept 24. Register here: https://www.scas.org.uk/webinars
https://www.vettimes.com/news/vet-nursing/small-animal/behaviour-webinar-to-feature-leading-us-speaker

James Serpell, emeritus professor of animal welfare at the University of Pennsylvania, is hosting the Society for Companion Animal Studies session.

17/09/2025

The wonderful Comms Team at SCAS

Meet the SCAS Communications Team!

Ever wondered who's crafting the messages you see from us? Meet the dedicated individuals creating our social media posts, website updates, and emails – the SCAS Communications Team!

We're excited to introduce three new volunteers who've recently joined us: Parizad, Émilie and Lori. Their expertise and passion are invaluable additions to our team.

Get to know the people making it all happen. Check out the SCAS Communications Team here: https://www.scas.org.uk/meet-the-communications-team/

🐾✨

09/09/2025

Sign up for our next SCAS Webinar with James Serpell, Emeritus Professor of Animal Welfare, University of Pennsylvania,“Ethology by Proxy: Using Citizen Science to Study Dog Behavior”.
Recording available to all registered participants. Our webinars are FREE for members and a small fee for non-members. Become a member now: https://www.scas.org.uk/membership.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ethology-by-proxy-using-citizen-science-to-study-dog-behavior-tickets-1486388811949?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Presenter: Professor James A. Serpell, Emeritus Professor of Animal Welfare, University of Pennsylvania

03/09/2025

02/09/2025

The annual award is named in honour of pensioner Bob Harvey who had to leave his care home so he could keep his dog Darcie

01/09/2025

Deadline for the early bird rates has been extended to mid September (or until sold out!)

Unified Voices: Why the Human-Animal Bond is Important to You as Professionals

31/08/2025

Those waiting on SCAS membership confirmation are welcome to register as SCAS members for the conference. A recording will be shared with all registered participants.
This year’s conference brings together experts and pioneers in the field of animal-assisted services. The programme includes Dr. Zenithson Ng & Dr. Aubrey Fine, delivering keynotes on animal-assisted programmes. Whether you are working in education, social work, veterinary care, or simply passionate about the role animals play in human wellbeing, this event is for you!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1362302446289?aff=oddtdtcreator

Unified Voices: Why the Human-Animal Bond is Important to You as Professionals

28/08/2025

Today (28 August) is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, a day when we take a moment to honour our non-human companions who have passed on and reach out to those who are still struggling with grief. The Rainbow Bridge is a concept based on a lovely poem written by Edna Clyne-Rekhy. The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) recognises the importance of the human animal bond, and is dedicated to promoting research, resources, and education to help people and their pets (visit our website to learn more). To support our work, please consider joining our charitable organisation.
https://www.scas.org.uk/blogs/the-rainbow-bridge-poem

By SCAS Chairperson, Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, BVMS CF The writer of the Rainbow Bridge poem was finally identified as Edna Clyne-Rekhy in 2023. Edna, a Scot from Inverness, wrote it following the death of her beloved labrador, Major, in 1959 when she was 18 years old.

23/08/2025

Iahaio_official SCAS in Amsterdam! 🇳🇱 This morning SCAS trustees Dr. Elizabeth Ormerod and Dr. Clare Thomas-Pino are leading a collaborative workshop on updating our SCAS code of Practice in Animal Assisted Services!! https://www.scas.org.uk/downloads. Photo credit: IAHAIO official
The updated version will be presented at our Online Conference in October . Register here: https://www.scas.org.uk/conference

20/08/2025

🐶🐱🐇 What do children really know about pets?
We’ve just released the Children & Pets Survey 2025, the first UK-wide study to explore what 7–11 year olds think, feel, and know about pets.
Here’s what we learned:
✅ Most kids know pets need food, water, space, and love
🤔 Fewer realise that smaller animals like rabbits have feelings or can communicate in their own way
💡 Vets are the most trusted source for pet advice, but parents play a big role too
⚠️ Nearly three quarters of children have had a negative pet experience, including being scratched, frightened, or bitten.
These insights can help refine educational resources, close knowledge gaps, and inspire empathy and responsible pet care in future generations.🐾
📖 Read the full report:https://peteducationpartnership.org/_assets/docs/statistics/pep_children_pets_survey_2025.pdf

19/08/2025

Early bird registration rates end on 31 August!!
This event will be of interest to students, researchers, and practitioners from a range of professions who are involved in animal assisted services.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1362302446289?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/08/2025

The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative 2025 Report: Explore the data, research, and reports that illuminate the path toward more pet-inclusive rental housing.
https://heyzine.com/flip-book/2025petsandhousingdata.html /1

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker