Researchers and practitioners will come together at the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) annual conference on Sunday 20th October 2024 to shape the future of safe and compassionate Animal Assistance Services through interdisciplinary innovation.
Leading UK and international experts will share the latest research and practice in human-animal interactions and discuss topics relevant to Animal Assistance Services (AAS).
The conference will be held virtually, and recordings of all presentations and a written report of the interactive workshops will be shared with all registered participants.
Key-note speaker, Professor Emeritus Sam Ahmedzai will open the conference with an overview of the roles companion animals may play in palliative care. The introduction of AAS programmes across a range of contexts requires careful planning to help ensure that such interventions are safe for all involved and that animal welfare is not compromised.
SCAS Chair Dr. Elizabeth Ormerod and Vangelis Diamantakos of Hartpury University will present the SCAS Code of Practice for Animal-Assisted Interventions which informs professionals, patients and the public about key steps required to achieve best practices. The Code encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across the caring professions in the planning, development, and maintenance of programmes, and between practitioners and researchers in documenting outcomes. Through such collaboration, programmes become more effective and sustainable.
Four interactive workshops led by international experts will take place across the afternoon.
- Emotional Support Animals Workshop
- Ethical Considerations in Animal Assisted Services
- Innovations in Animal Assisted Services
- Cross Disciplinary Collaboration
SCAS conferences are known for their lively discussions and ample time is allowed for live Q&A with the experts, and generous sharing of information, resources, and contacts between delegates.
Conference registration is significantly discounted for full and student SCAS members who can enjoy other benefits such as free access to monthly SCAS webinars throughout the year from expert speakers.
For further information and to register please visit the SCAS website If you have any questions, please contact info@scas.org.uk.