HCS139-Supporting Service Users with Pets: Risk Assessment and Safety Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Supporting Service Users with Pets: Risk Assessment and Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that staff members at {{org_field_name}} safely and effectively support individuals receiving care who own pets, balancing the benefits of pet companionship with health and safety considerations.

Pets provide companionship, emotional well-being, and improved quality of life for many individuals receiving care. However, there are risks associated with pets in the care environment, including allergies, injuries, infections, and hygiene concerns.

This policy sets out clear procedures for risk assessment, infection control, and staff responsibilities, ensuring compliance with the Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland) and SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers (2024).

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees, volunteers, and contractors providing domiciliary care on behalf of {{org_field_name}}.
All individuals receiving care who own or interact with pets in their home environment.
Any third parties, including family members and pet care providers, involved in supporting pet-related needs.

It applies to all types of pets, including but not limited to:

Dogs and cats
Small mammals (e.g., rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs)
Birds and reptiles
Fish and exotic pets

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Health and Safety Policy, ensuring a safe working environment.
Infection Prevention and Control Policy, covering hygiene and disease prevention.
Risk Assessment and Personal Plans Policy, ensuring pet care is integrated into individual care plans.
Safeguarding Adults Policy, preventing harm or neglect related to pet ownership.
Staff Training and Development Policy, ensuring competency in managing pet-related risks.

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} acknowledges the positive impact of pets on well-being and is committed to supporting individuals in maintaining their pets while ensuring the safety and health of both staff and individuals receiving care. This includes:

Conducting risk assessments for homes with pets.
Establishing clear hygiene and infection control procedures.
Ensuring staff are trained and supported in handling pet-related situations.
Implementing clear guidelines on staff responsibilities regarding pet care.
Coordinating with family members or pet care professionals where needed.

5. Risk Assessment Process

A Pet Risk Assessment must be conducted for each individual receiving care who owns a pet. This assessment will be documented in their Personal Plan and regularly reviewed.

5.1 Key Risk Factors Assessed

Aggressive Behaviour: Any history of the pet showing aggression toward people.
Allergies and Health Concerns: Whether the individual, staff, or visitors have pet-related allergies or medical conditions (e.g., asthma).
Hygiene and Infection Control: Risks related to pet waste, unclean living conditions, or zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans).
Trip and Fall Hazards: Large or energetic pets that may pose a risk of falls or injuries.
Pet Care Needs: Whether the individual receiving care can safely manage pet feeding, grooming, and veterinary visits or if additional support is required.
Emergency Situations: A plan for who will care for the pet in an emergency (e.g., hospitalisation).

5.2 Risk Levels and Actions

Risk Level	Description	Actions Required
Low	The pet poses no significant health or safety risks.	Document in care plan and review annually.
Moderate	Minor concerns such as mild allergies, trip hazards, or hygiene issues.	Implement control measures (e.g., pet-free zones, hygiene improvements). Regular monitoring.
High	Significant risks such as aggressive pets, severe allergies, or poor hygiene.	Develop a risk management plan, consult with family members, and consider alternative care solutions for the pet.
Severe	Immediate risk to staff or individual due to aggression or extreme hygiene issues.	Escalate to management, review care arrangements, and involve appropriate agencies if necessary.

6. Staff Responsibilities Regarding Pets

{{org_field_name}} staff are not responsible for direct pet care, except in exceptional cases where it has been agreed in the Personal Plan. Staff may:

Support the individual in managing pet care, such as reminding them to feed or walk their pet.
Ensure a safe working environment by checking that the pet is secured during visits (where required).
Report any safety concerns regarding pets to their supervisor or management.
Follow infection control procedures when working in environments with pets.

7. Hygiene and Infection Control Measures

7.1 Preventing the Spread of Disease

Staff must wash hands thoroughly after contact with pets, pet food, or pet waste.
Pet feeding areas must be kept clean and separate from human food preparation areas.
Pet waste (e.g., litter boxes, urine, faeces) must be managed appropriately to avoid health risks.
Individuals receiving care with compromised immune systems must be advised on infection risks from pets.
Staff must report any concerns about poor pet hygiene or neglected pet care to management.

7.2 Managing Allergies and Sensitivities

If a staff member has severe allergies to a pet, an alternative care worker may be assigned.
The Personal Plan should document any known allergies and necessary adjustments to care routines.
Minimising pet exposure (e.g., keeping pets out of care areas) should be encouraged where necessary.

8. Handling Aggressive or Unpredictable Pets

If a pet shows aggressive or unpredictable behaviour, staff must:
- Not attempt to handle the pet.
- Immediately report concerns to their supervisor.
- Ensure a safe working distance and request that the pet be secured before future visits.
If a pet has bitten or injured someone, the incident must be reported, documented, and assessed under Health and Safety and Incident Reporting Policies.

9. Emergency Pet Care Planning

Individuals receiving care who own pets should have an emergency plan in place for their pet in case they are:

Hospitalised
Temporarily unable to care for the pet
No longer able to keep the pet due to deteriorating health

9.1 Responsibilities in an Emergency

Staff must notify management if an individual is suddenly hospitalised without a pet care plan.
Where possible, family members or friends should be contacted to assume responsibility for the pet.
If no immediate pet care solution is available, pet welfare organisations may be contacted for temporary support.

10. Training and Competency of Staff

All staff must receive basic training on:

Recognising pet-related risks (e.g., allergies, infections, aggression).
Infection control procedures related to pets.
Emergency protocols for individuals with pets.

Refresher training will be provided annually or as needed.

11. Compliance and Monitoring

This policy aligns with:

Health and Social Care Standards (Scotland)
SSSC Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers and Employers (2024)
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Animal Welfare Act 2006

Management will:

Conduct regular reviews of Personal Plans to ensure pet-related risks are managed.
Monitor incident reports related to pets and implement necessary improvements.
Gather feedback from staff and individuals receiving care on the effectiveness of pet-related care support.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if legislative changes or new best practices emerge. Any updates will be communicated to staff and incorporated into training programmes.

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}}
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