Practitioners need to recognise any potential positive and negative effects of companion animals in clients’ lives, says Bronwen Williams

Animals feature in many service users’ lives and can be significant factors in their wellbeing and recovery, but relationships with animals can also increase risks and mental health issues. Animals and the effect they have on people’s mental health are poorly researched and understood or taken into account in clinical practice. In the UK, mental health service providers, teams and individual workers, especially care co-ordinators, should recognise the significance of animals to their clients and the emotional bond between them.

Conversations, assessments and care plans with service users should include information about their animals, because it could prove useful in diagnosis and management. Understanding and assistance by the mental health worker in coping with the welfare of a client’s animal(s), and also the possible stresses and risks, can benefit the therapeutic relationship. Staff should be familiar with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and know how to contact animal welfare organisations.