CAS (The Society for Companion Animal Studies) is a charity which promotes awareness and understanding of human/companion animal relationships. Formed in 1979, it has a growing international membership, currently with representatives from 18 countries.

SCAS and its members are particularly concerned with the vulnerable groups of people in society - people who are severely disabled either emotionally or physically; people who live in institutions such as hospitals and prisons; people in nursing homes and residential accommodation; elderly people; children; and those suffering pet loss, either temporarily or through death.

The aims of SCAS are:

• To advance the understanding of relationships between people and companion animals
• To disseminate information about human/companion animal relationships
• To promote the quality of life of people and pets by encouraging responsible attitudes