2025 SCAS Virtual Conference

2025 SCAS Virtual Conference

By Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)

Unified Voices: Why the Human-Animal Bond is Important to You as Professionals

Date and time

Location

Online

Agenda

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Introduction by the Conference chair Barbara Cooper and overview of the day ahead.

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM

Keynote – Animal assisted Services

Professor Zenithson Ng

Zenithson Ng, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine/Feline) is a Clinical Professor of Small Animal Primary Care and the Associate Director of Human-Animal Interaction Research for the Center for Veterinary Social ...

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Break/Networking Opportunities

10:50 AM - 11:35 AM

Ethical considerations & practical applications of working with animals

Sarah Urwin

Angela Barker

The presentation will focus on how the ethical considerations and practical applications are built into the operating procedures for the Canine Befrienders service, a therapy dog service based within...

11:35 AM - 12:20 PM

Veterinary Social Work: A New Approach to Honouring the Human-Animal Bond

Associate Professor Rebecca Stephens

Lisa Wiborg

This session will present findings from the speaker's research on integrating a human and animal-inclusive framework into social work education and practice. It will also highlight efforts to create ...

12:20 PM - 1:20 PM

Networking Opportunities

1:20 PM - 2:02 PM

Animals as members of the classroom

Professor Helen Lewis

Professor Kerstin Meints

2:05 PM - 2:50 PM

Applying the SCAS code of Practice

Dr Clare Thomas-Pino

The SCAS Code of Practice was initially published in 2013, revised in 2019, has been updated and amended for those providing AAS. The code serves as a guide for professionals, patients, and the publi...

2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Break/Networking Opportunities

3:10 PM - 3:55 PM

The Welfare of Animals in Animal assisted therapy

Professor Aubrey Fine

Dr. Aubrey Fine is a native of Montreal, Canada. He received his graduate degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1982. Dr. Fine has been on the California State Polytechnic University faculty si...

3:55 PM - 4:25 PM

Interactive discussion with speakers and QnA

4:25 PM - 4:30 PM

Closing Remarks, Conference Summary, & Future Directions

Good to know

Highlights

  • 8 hours
  • Online

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

Highlights

  • 8 hours
  • Online

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

Science & Tech • Science

SCAS are excited to announce an upcoming conference that brings together experts and pioneers in the field of animal-assisted services. Whether you are working in education, social work, veterinary care, healthcare, or simply passionate about the role animals play in human wellbeing, this event is for you!

This year’s conference, 'Unified Voices: Why the Human-Animal Bond is Important to You as Professionals', will include international speakers and engaging presentations.

Key highlights include:

  • A keynote session from Zenithson Ng on the power and impact of animal-assisted programmes
  • Thought-provoking talks on ethical practices, veterinary social work, and animals as classroom companions
  • A deep dive into the SCAS Code of Practice and the welfare of animals in therapeutic settings
  • Plus, panel discussions, networking breaks, and the chance to engage with leading voices in this evolving field!

This conference is a must for anyone passionate about the human-animal connection — practical, ethical, and forward-thinking.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and lead the way in animal-assisted approaches. Full programme coming soon!

Want to access our member rates on tickets? Join SCAS today! For just £25 (or £15 as a Student Member), you'll receive a discount on your conference registration as well as FREE access to our monthly webinars: https://www.scas.org.uk/membership

Frequently asked questions

Organised by

Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)

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