Category Archives: Uncategorized

Loneliness Awareness Week 2024 (10-16 June)

Embracing Connection: How Companion Animals Can Help Combat Loneliness 

By SCAS member, Lori Hoy.

Loneliness Awareness Week, held from 10-16 June this year, is a crucial time for reflection and action. It reminds us of the importance of human connection and the profound impact loneliness can have on our mental and physical well-being. Loneliness Awareness Week, created and hosted by the Marmalade Trust, is a week dedicated to raising awareness of loneliness across the UK (and beyond!) It’s all about creating supportive communities by having open, honest conversations about loneliness. This year’s theme is ‘Random Acts of Connection’ which “encourages everyone to increase those simple, everyday moments of connection which help us feel happier and less lonely”.

At the Society of Companion Animal Studies (SCAS), we believe that our beloved pets can play a significant role in alleviating feelings of loneliness. This week, we want to highlight how companion animals can help prevent loneliness, backed by scientific evidence, and explore how you and your pet can make a difference.

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‘No Pet’ Covenants and the Law

The use of ‘no pet’ covenants in private rental housing is a contentious subject in the UK and many other countries. In a new article by Dr. Debbie Rook and Prof. Brinda Jegatheesan, members of the International Steering Group on Pets & Housing initiated by SCAS, a Harm Assessment approach is proposed to the use of ‘no pet’ covenants in private rental housing. 

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SCAS2024 Conference: Call for Posters

Call for Posters to be presented at the 2024 Annual SCAS Conference, on Sunday 20 October 2024 (Online).

Abstracts are now being accepted for posters related to this year’s conference theme, Interdisciplinary Innovation: How can we advance research and practice in human-animal interactions?

Please use this form to submit an abstract (not to exceed 2,500 characters, including spaces and a short bio in the third person (not to exceed 600 characters): https://forms.gle/NZZuE1MrtMbVJAkJ8

Deadline for consideration is 31 July 2024.

If accepted, you will be required to produce a poster and a short video clip (approximately 3 minutes, MP4 file) of you presenting your poster before Monday 10 September 2024.

This year there are two prizes: one for the best overall poster and one for the best student poster, so please indicate on your entry if you are presenting as a student.

Thank You to All Volunteers!

We previously shared an article on the benefits of volunteering to volunteers, beneficiaries, and society for International Volunteers Day. Volunteers Week (3-9 June) is another opportunity to celebrate and support all the amazing volunteers who donate their time to help animals and people.

We would like to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers – past, present, and future – who continue to support SCAS!

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ISAZ 2024 Workshop: SCAS Code of Practice

SCAS Code of Practice: Moving Towards a UK Consensus for Minimum Standards in Animal Assisted Interventions

Together with past SCAS Trustee, Vangelis Diamantakos, Liz Omerod (SCAS Chairman) will lead a 3-hour workshop, advocating for minimum global standards in Animal Assisted Services at the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) Conference at Hartpury University, UK (28-30 June, 2024). Joined by invited speakers, Prof Marie Jose Enders Slegers, Dr Anne McBride, Tim Stafford and Seline Gibson, the workshop includes breakout groups in which delegates will share their views and experiences. The information collated during the workshop will be considered for inclusion in updating the SCAS Code of Practice. 

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