Pets in Care Homes logo featuring an illustration of a dog and a cat

Pets in Care Homes

‘“He means the world to me”: human implications of separating older people from their pets in residential care/nursing homes.’ - This project investigates the implications of separating older people from companion animal(s) when they move to a residential care home or other care setting. It seeks to examine current policies and what these mean in practice for the well-being of the older person and their companion animal(s), as well as for care home staff, relevant professionals and charities working in the field.

About the research project

A key aim is to explore the lived experience of older people making this transition when they have companion animals. To do so we will interview care home residents, their families and staff caring for them, as well professionals (social workers, lawyers, vets etc) and from charities, who may be involved. A further aim is to examine the legal implications of current policies and to explore potential legal remedies or reforms that can better accommodate competing interests.

Back to: Liverpool Law School