A NEW book, launched recently, promises to provide an invaluable resource for older pet owners, health and social care professionals, veterinary staff and housing providers in understanding the relationship between older people and pets.

Compiled by the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS), Understanding older people and pets: A comprehensive guide draws on recent research to give readers an insight into how companion animals improve health, provide social support and enhance the quality of life for older people living in the community and those in sheltered housing and residential care homes.

The book addresses a wide range of key issues, from animal-assisted therapy programmes, to the challenges faced by older pet owners moving into sheltered housing. The book also contains guidelines on pet policy for housing providers and offers useful pointers for the practical application of research to support older people in health and social care settings.

The book, launched at a major conference on Wednesday, 4 May at the Charity Centre, London, explores the roles of pets in the lives of older people organised by SCAS, in partnership with the charity Age Concern.

To order a copy of the book, call SCAS on 01993 825573, email info@scas.org.uk or visit www.scas.org.uk