The Community Pet Support Scheme - Tacking Loneliness through Pets

The Community Pet Support Scheme was launched in 2016. The Scheme provides practical support to enable elderly, physically disabled and housebound pet owners to care for their companion cats and dogs at home. 

Clients on the Scheme are members of the community who, for a variety of reasons, are experiencing challenges in caring for their pets at home. LAA believes that, for pet lovers, the love and companionship of animals is a vital and sustaining part of everyday life. Our clients' pets are their friends, a source of support, a confidante, a conversation-starter and in some cases, a link to the outside world. The Scheme is therefore twofold; it prevents well-loved animals from entering rescue unnecessarily and helps to prevent loneliness. You can read more about the many benefits of the Scheme here.

The short film below explores the difference that the Scheme makes to our clients' lives.    

Where does the Scheme operate?

Currently, the Scheme operates in three districts of Leicestershire; Hinckley and Boswoth, Oadby and Wigston and Blaby. 

How does the Scheme work? 

The Scheme, which is free to clients, works by allocating a pet-loving Animal Care Assistant (ACA) to each client and their pet(s). Our ACAs are all trained and DBS checked. The ACA visits the client in their own home and helps with pet-related tasks like dog walking, grooming or taking an animal to the Vets. Often this is three times a week but it can be more or less depending on each household's needs.  

How does someone become a client on the Scheme?

Some clients self-refer by calling the Centre and talking us through their situation and the help they are seeking. Sometimes, clients are referred by a professional like a social worker or housing officer. You can find out more, and make a referral for someone (or yourself) from the above geographical areas here.   

Thanks to Loughborough University Students! 

In the spring of 2022, students studying an MA in Graphic Design at the University of Loughborough worked with us to bring the CPSS, and all it means to clients, to life in pictorial form. After meeting with our CPSS Co-ordinator to understand the origins of the project, and why it makes such a difference to the lives of vulnerable pet owners, they set to work creating a range of bespoke images. 

The result of the project is a beautiful, completely original book that includes unique designs from students and inspirational quotes taken from client case studies. The book was on display at LAA in May and will be available for clients to view at future celebration events. We have to say, the book is stunning - both in form and content. We would like to thank the students for their hard work and for their imaginative and unique take on the Scheme. The book is featured below.