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Experts to discuss how pets benefit children
"More and more research is emerging to support the idea that children benefit physically, emotionally and socially from regular contact with companion animals" - Dr Elizabeth Ormerod.
SCAS Conference will share the latest knowledge on Animal-Assisted Interventions.

The role of pets on child development - in particular the impact on mental health and wellbeing - is set to go under the spotlight at the 2021 Society for Companion Animals (SCAS) conference.

Taking place virtually in September, the conference will bring together leading companion animal experts from across the UK to share the latest knowledge on Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). 

Joanne Williams, Professor of Applied Developmental Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, Matthew Robinson from Pets as Therapy, and Lesley Wonton from Fostering Compassion will present the latest research exploring AAI on child-animal interactions. 

Their presentations will explore the impact that living with companion animals has on child development; the response and outcomes in trials of the Pets As Therapy Read2Dogs service; and the links between animal abuse, child abuse and interpersonal violence.

"More and more research is emerging to support the idea that children benefit physically, emotionally and socially from regular contact with companion animals,” commented SCAS chair, Dr Elizabeth Ormerod. "Contact with companion animals has been shown to be important in several areas of child development and health - for example, in promoting self-esteem and encouraging the development of humane attitudes, such as empathy and nurturing.”

‘Pets and Children' is the first of three different sessions at the 2021 SCAS Virtual Conference. Following sessions include the impact of companion animals in the lives of older people and those with mental health problems. 

Each session will include a research-based presentation and two presentations from organisations working with the client group. Conference attendees will be able to ask questions of the experts throughout the day.

“The SCAS 2021 Virtual Conference is a key platform for attendees and participants alike to hear and share knowledge and experiences as well as learn from the latest research from international experts,” Dr Ormerod added.

More information and details about how to register are available on the SCAS website.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.