October sees the celebration of both older people and animals through the International Day of Older Persons and the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. To mark the occasion, pets and people charity the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is calling for responsible pet policies to be considered throughout the UK’s residential and sheltered housing facilities.

As the country’s leading authority on the bond between humans and companion animals, SCAS is highlighting the importance of allowing people to be able to choose to keep their pets or maintain contact with animals as they grow older, whether they live independently in the community, in sheltered accommodation or in long term care homes.

With the wellbeing of older people in the community receiving much attention in the health, social care and political sectors, SCAS is working to ensure that current pet policies within residential care and sheltered accommodation be given due consideration by the relevant organisations.

Last December SCAS launched its Pets for Life campaign to highlight the widespread lack of a coherent policy on pet ownership in residential care homes and sheltered accommodation throughout the UK.  Currently only a third of residential homes have a policy towards elderly residents keeping pets, despite the growing body of research which supports the psychological and physiological benefits of pet ownership.

The campaign has gained the support of Nick Palmer MP, who introduced a private members bill to the House of Commons in July. The second reading is due to take place on 16th October.

Elizabeth Ormerod MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and Chair of SCAS comments: “For many older people, their pet is their best friend, their companion, their confidante and can be their most significant other. In many cases an animal companion is the closest living link with a deceased spouse. We want to work together with health and social care sectors to support older people and improve their quality of life and happiness. The enforced separation of these people from their cherished pets when they move into more supported settings is totally unnecessary; there are many examples to show that pet policies can work extremely well.”

SCAS is inviting further debate on this issue at its special 30th anniversary symposium – Older People, Pets and Housing – which will be focused on exploring the issues surrounding older people, their pets and the impact on housing and care choices. The symposium will take place on Tuesday 3 November 2009 from 9:30 am to 4.30pm at the Royal Horticultural Halls and Conference Centre, London SW1P 2QD. The conference is aimed at policy makers, health and care professionals, students and researchers, local authorities, older people and organizations which represent the elderly, veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations and pet owners. To book a place, call 01993 825597 or visit www.scas.org.uk.

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