Society for Companion Animal Studies

The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is a membership charity based in the United Kingdom. Its role is to understanding how interactions between people and companion animals can improve quality of life and well-being. SCAS provides a selection of publications to its members, offers training, funds some research, and organises conferences and events which are open to non-members.
Background
Formed nearly thirty years ago, the 'Society for Companion Animal Studies' (SCAS) was established to promote the study of human-companion animal interactions and raise awareness of the signal importance of pets in society.
Now one of the leading human-companion animal bond organisation in the United Kingdom, its origin lay in 1979 when a small group of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and veterinary surgeons founded SCAS in Dundee, Scotland, by setting up the Society to promote awareness and understanding of human - companion animal relationships.
Reputation
SCAS is a leading authority on the human-companion animal bond in the UK. It is an incorporated registered charity and also a private limited company with over 500 members, with membership spanning the globe.
SCAS has now worked in partnership with The Blue Cross animal welfare charity since 2003. It is the UK member of IAHAIO, the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organisations.
SCAS aims to bring this information both to the general public and to people working within relevant professions with the aim of positively influencing understanding, policy and practice.
Pet Bereavement Support Service
SCAS also overseas the Pet Bereavement Support Service in conjunction with The Blue Cross animal welfare charity with which it has been in partnership since 2003.
Guiding principles
SCAS's five guiding principles are:
To advance the understanding of relationships between people and companion animals.
To raise awareness of the human-companion animal bond by disseminating information about human-companion animal relationships.
To promote the quality of life of people and companion animals by encouraging 'responsible attitudes'.
To raise awareness of the health and social benefits of companion animal ownership.
To promote humane education, through the fostering of kindness, respect and empathy to humans and companion animals.

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