We are teaming up with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) to promote the welfare of both animals and people, and pooling resources to support local communities together. Between us, the national charities cover all 32 local authorities in Scotland.
Almost one in three adults in Scotland reported their mental health deteriorated after the pandemic. Nationally, 25% of Scots have a dog and 20% have a cat. With 220,000 pet owners in Scotland saying they have cut back on food or care for their animal, the two charities are working together to provide a vital lifeline to both.
In the context of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and lengthy waiting times for mental health treatment, the charities have launched a partnership designed to protect people’s wellbeing and pets’ welfare, with the ultimate aim of keeping people and their pets together.
We have seen calls from people looking to give up pets triple during the cost-of living-crisis. For people experiencing mental health problems or difficulties with their finances, the fear of losing their animal companions will almost certainly add to their worries. The Animal Kindness Index, published in June 2023, revealed 88% of people in Scotland believe it has become more expensive to look after a pet. SAMH operates over 70 services across Scotland supporting people with their mental health and is well positioned to enhance the Society’s work in communities across the country.
Through this new partnership, frontline colleagues from both organisations will be upskilled on how to identify animal welfare issues or mental health problems at an early stage, enabling help to be sought fast.
The charities will also share resources so all colleagues are confident in signposting people to additional support, helping to keep pets and people together. This may involve directing people to mental health and wellbeing support, helping them access pet food banks, advising on vet care, or helping people to source pet behavioural support. Financial worries and behavioural issues are among the most common challenges pet owners are facing, and are additional stressors that can contribute to or exacerbate mental health problems.
Ourselves and SAMH will also work to raise awareness of the interconnections between human and animal welfare. Many of us feel the positive impact our pets have on our wellbeing. This is supported by multiple studies that have found pets can play a positive role in helping people manage long-term mental health conditions, with some demonstrating that human-animal interaction increases our levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a key role in relieving stress and promoting social bonding.
Steve Tufnell, who has previously experienced thoughts of suicide and now attends SAMH initiative The Changing Room in Falkirk, said his 9-year-old cat, Stan, always helps lift his mood: “Stan always notices when you’re down. He’ll come up to you and roll over, looking for cuddles. And his purring has a positive impact on your mood.
“When I was in that dark place, I came home after contemplating suicide, took one look at Stan’s face and thought ‘what have I almost done?’ Knowing what I know now, I just go and see Stan if I’m feeling low.
“Any animal helps you relax. Animals are never going to let you down – you can always just go and speak to them and play with them. And all they want back is to be fed and loved.”
Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “Our lives are full of challenges and in times of increased stress, which many people may be feeling during the current cost-of-living crisis, it can sometimes feel difficult to cope. But with the right support around us, the ups and downs of life can be more manageable. We would encourage anyone who may be feeling under pressure to reach out and seek support.
“Through this collaboration with the Scottish SPCA, we will be better placed to help more people find the support they need, when they need it, and to give people and their pets the best chance of staying together.”
Kirsteen Campbell, Scottish SPCA Chief Executive, said: “Our inspectors meet many people who, as well as needing support with their animals, are also struggling with their mental health. Although financial worries are not the only driver of poor mental health, the added pressure of the financial climate is exacerbating these underlying issues in many cases and leading to people and animals finding themselves in crisis.
“However, pets can also often be a really positive influence in their owner’s lives and source of comfort during difficult times. This is just one of the reasons we believe no one should have to give up their pet because they are struggling financially.
“Prevention is in our name and we believe any partnership that helps us tackle problems before an animal begins to suffer is vital. We’re confident this partnership with SAMH will help us better support people in communities across Scotland and help keep people and their pets together.”
