Pets and people charity the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) received a welcome boost of support on 5th March when Nigel Waterson MP presented to the House of Commons the Second Reading of his Private Member’s Bill to increase the number of residential care and sheltered housing providers which allow pets to live with their owners.

As Shadow Minister for Older People, Nigel Waterson MP explains: “The UK needs to adopt a more enlightened and responsible policy towards increasing the number of care homes and sheltered housing accommodation which allow pets in residence. The current practice is totally unacceptable in a civilised country and we should follow the example of countries, such as France and the USA, who have passed legislation aimed at allowing people to keep their beloved pets.”

SCAS works to raise awareness of the important bond between people and their pets, and through its Pets for Life campaign is highlighting the plight suffered by many older people in Britain who are forced to give up beloved pets when they move into residential care or sheltered housing. The campaign is appealing to all housing providers to adopt responsible pet policies that enable older people to make an informed choice.

In the UK, there is still a lack of formal policy in many residential care and sheltered homes to manage the needs of elderly and vulnerable people who wish to keep pets. Currently only 35% of homes in the UK have any formal written policy on pets in place, despite a growing body of research which supports the psychological and physiological benefits of pet ownership.

Studies show that older people who are forced to part with a pet to move into residential care can suffer feelings of bereavement that are similar to the loss of a family member. Severe reactions can lead to depression, disturbed sleep or eating patterns, and even physical illness. Conversely, older people who do keep pets enjoy a smoother transition into residential care, as well as significant health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

Elizabeth Ormerod MRCVS, Chairman of SCAS and a practising vet, has first-hand
experience of the trauma faced by older people who are forced to part with much-loved pets to move into care or sheltered accommodation. She said: “There is a frustrating lack of policy to support older and more vulnerable pet owners who arguably have the most to gain from owning a pet, yet in many cases are prevented from doing so. A shocking 140,000 pets have to be given up for adoption every year because their owners cannot take their pets with them when they move into care or sheltered housing, and 38,000 animals are euthanased as a result.”

“We are very pleased that this issue is being highlighted in the House of Commons. We hope that the Second Reading of Mr Waterson’s Private Member’s Bill will encourage more flexible pet policies among public and private housing providers in the UK as many other countries have already successfully addressed this issue. The number of older people in Britain is increasing and it is vital that we ensure the often difficult transition into residential care is as painless as possible.”

Animal welfare charity, The Blue Cross works in partnership with SCAS and recognises the importance of keeping pets and people together through its support of the Pets for Life initiative. The campaign is also supported by leading housing providers, including Hanover and The Anchor Trust - the latter being the largest provider of housing, care and support for older people throughout England. Jane Ashcroft, Acting Chief Executive of Anchor, said: “Pets bring happiness, love and companionship to older people’s lives. At Anchor we are committed to helping our customers to keep their pets wherever possible. I hope care home and retirement housing providers which don’t currently have formal pet policies take this opportunity to look into how pets contribute to the wellbeing of those in their care.”

As part of the Pets for Life campaign, SCAS is encouraging individuals or their families who have been confronted by the loss of their pet when considering residential care and sheltered housing options, to share their story by getting in touch directly with Liz Somerville, SCAS Project Manager at liz.somerville@bluecross.org.uk

For more information visit Pets for Life www.scas.org.uk/petsforlife