CHW121-Pets Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Pets Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and regulations regarding pets within {{org_field_name}}, ensuring that service users who wish to keep pets or have pet visits can do so in a way that supports well-being, safety, infection control, and regulatory compliance. The policy aims to balance the benefits of pet companionship with the need to maintain hygiene, health, and safety for all residents, staff, and visitors.

This policy aligns with:

The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, which ensures that care homes provide a safe and person-centred environment.
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, requiring care providers to assess risks, maintain hygiene, and uphold dignity and well-being.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006, which ensures that pets are treated humanely and appropriately cared for.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, ensuring the safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, which govern infection control measures related to animals in care settings.

This policy aims to:

Provide clear guidelines on service users keeping pets in their rooms.
Set procedures for pet visits from family members and therapy animals.
Maintain hygiene and infection control standards.
Establish a structured risk assessment process.
Ensure the welfare of both service users and animals in our care setting.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All service users who wish to have a pet or receive pet visits.
All employees, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
Visitors and external professionals, including those bringing therapy animals.
Management and administrative staff, responsible for risk assessments and policy enforcement.

This policy covers:

Keeping pets in service users’ rooms.
Pet visits and therapy animal programmes.
Health, hygiene, and infection control.
Risk assessments and staff responsibilities.
Emergency procedures involving pets.

3. Benefits of Pets in the Care Home

Studies show that pets provide significant benefits for care home residents, including:

Emotional support and companionship, reducing loneliness and anxiety.
Cognitive stimulation, particularly for individuals with dementia.
Encouragement for mobility and engagement, through pet-related activities.
Reduction in stress and improved mood, promoting overall well-being.

At {{org_field_name}}, we encourage responsible pet ownership and structured pet visits to enhance the quality of life of our service users.

4. Service Users Keeping Pets in Their Rooms

4.1 Eligibility Criteria for Keeping Pets

Service users may be permitted to keep a pet in their room, provided that:

They can fully care for the pet themselves or have support arrangements in place.
The pet does not pose a risk to the health and safety of other residents, staff, or visitors.
The pet is fully vaccinated and regularly checked by a vet.
The pet is house-trained and manageable within the care home environment.

A formal request must be submitted to management, and a risk assessment must be completed before approval.

4.2 Types of Permitted Pets

Permitted pets may include:

Small domesticated animals (e.g., cats, small dogs, birds, rabbits).
Caged animals (e.g., hamsters, guinea pigs).
Fish in small, manageable aquariums.

Pets that are not permitted include:

Exotic or dangerous animals (e.g., reptiles, large birds of prey).
Large, unmanageable dogs.
Rodents prone to carrying infections.

4.3 Responsibilities of Pet Owners

The service user (or designated carer) is responsible for:

Feeding and caring for the pet, including grooming and cleaning.
Ensuring vaccinations and parasite control are up to date.
Keeping the pet in designated areas and not allowing it into communal spaces unless permitted.

If a service user is unable to continue caring for their pet, management will work with family members or external agencies to find a suitable alternative home.

5. Pet Visits from Family and Therapy Animals

5.1 Visits from Family Pets

Family members may bring pets to visit residents if:
- The pet is vaccinated and in good health.
- The pet is well-behaved and does not pose a safety risk.
- The visit is pre-arranged with staff to ensure minimal disruption.
Pets must be kept on a lead or in a carrier and supervised at all times.
Visits should take place in designated areas unless the service user is bed-bound, in which case special arrangements can be made.

5.2 Therapy Animal Programmes

Therapy animals can play a significant role in resident well-being. {{org_field_name}} may arrange visits from:

Registered therapy dogs through accredited organisations.
Petting zoo visits, where feasible, for engagement activities.
Animal-assisted therapy sessions for residents with dementia or emotional distress.

All therapy animals must:

Have certification from a recognised animal therapy organisation.
Be fully vaccinated and insured.
Be assessed for temperament and behaviour before visits.

6. Health, Hygiene, and Infection Control

6.1 Maintaining Cleanliness and Safety

To prevent health risks, the following measures must be enforced:

Routine cleaning of pet areas to maintain hygiene.
Disinfection of communal areas after pet visits.
Proper disposal of pet waste, following infection control guidelines.
Regular veterinary checks for all approved pets.

6.2 Staff Responsibilities

Staff must:

Ensure pet visits comply with risk assessments.
Monitor service users’ ability to care for their pets.
Report any concerns regarding hygiene or safety.

7. Risk Assessments for Pets in the Care Home

Before allowing a pet in the care home, a comprehensive risk assessment must be conducted, covering:

Potential allergies among service users or staff.
Risk of bites, scratches, or aggressive behaviour.
Impact on service users’ health conditions (e.g., respiratory issues, mobility constraints).
Suitability of pet for the environment and size of accommodation.

The risk assessment must be reviewed every six months or earlier if concerns arise.

8. Emergency Procedures Involving Pets

In case of:

Pet illness or injury – The designated owner or manager must arrange veterinary care immediately.
Aggressive behaviour from a pet – The pet must be removed from the premises, and an incident report must be completed.
Allergic reactions or infections – Affected individuals must receive medical attention, and the pet’s presence will be reviewed.

9. Managing This Policy Efficiently

9.1 Employer Responsibilities

{{org_field_name}} will:

Ensure clear guidelines for pet ownership and visits.
Provide risk assessments and staff training on handling animals.
Monitor the effectiveness of the policy and update as needed.

9.2 Employee and Service User Responsibilities

Employees must follow infection control and safety procedures.
Service users must adhere to pet care agreements.
Visitors must comply with pet visit rules.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

Health and Safety at Work Policy.
Infection Prevention and Control Policy.
Risk Management and Assessment Policy.
Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new regulatory guidance, health risks, or operational needs arise.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.