Pet Care Network

Providing help for people with disabilities and social needs by offering short term fostering and support with various aspects of pet care.

The Pet Care Network (PCN) was set up in May 1996 to provide help for people with disabilities and social needs by offering short term fostering and support with various aspects of pet care and to promote good health amongst people within community care groups through the advancement of education in relationships between people and their companion animals.

Community care groups:

- Physical Disabilities
- Socail or Learning Difficulties
- Mental Health Problems
- Sensory Impairment (Receiving help from any of the local caring agencies)

Often people with disabilities or social needs are faced with the choice between seeking necessary health treatment or a much needed respite break, and the welfare of their companion animal. Our charity and network of Volunteers can help broaden their choices and give them the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding and ongoing relationship with their pets.

Research has shown that pet ownership can bring therapeutic value to the lives of people with disabilities. People with disabilities and/or social needs are often under pressure to keep their lives as simple as possible and are not encouraged to take on responsibilities that might end up causing extra work for their families, helpers or carers.

We at Pet Care Network believe that looking after people and keeping them well is important but we also think keeping them happy should be just as important and this is effectively done with the proven benefits of pet ownership. Companion animals are especially important for people who because of their circumstances are often isolated and lonely. Day after day loneliness often leads to severe depression and often causes further withdrawal. Companion animals not only keep you company but also give immeasurable love, a commodity all to often lacking today.

Having worked for many years with animal charities and helping people with disabilities it became clear that there was a need within the community to help people cope with pet ownership in times of crisis. Since its conception Pet Care Network has helped hundreds of people with a variety of constructive pet care help. People in Hospices who need help to keep their pets with them as long as possible. People in Sheltered Housing who are allowed to have their animals with them often need them looked after while ill etc. and Homeless people who need help until they can get themselves sorted out.

Due to the unique and comprehensive services we offer and our genuine desire to help we constantly receive referrals from various departments of the Social Services, Doctors, Community Nurses other charities.