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.
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.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
