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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Supporting Service Users with Pets: Risk Assessment and Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that service users at {{org_field_name}} who wish to have or keep pets can do so safely and responsibly while maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals within the supported living environment. This policy reflects our commitment to person-centred care, promoting independence and emotional well-being while ensuring that pet ownership does not pose risks to service users, staff, or visitors.

This policy is aligned with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, including Regulation 9 on person-centred care​, Regulation 12 on safe care and treatment​, and Regulation 10 on dignity and respect​.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all service users, staff, visitors, and external professionals interacting with {{org_field_name}}. It covers:

• Service users wishing to keep a pet within their accommodation.
• Service users who already have pets when joining the service.
• Pets visiting the premises, including assistance animals and emotional support animals.

It encompasses all types of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, reptiles, and fish, ensuring that care and safety standards are maintained while promoting positive outcomes for service users.

3. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} recognises the significant benefits that pet ownership can bring to service users, including companionship, emotional support, and improved mental well-being. We are committed to enabling service users to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership while ensuring that the health, safety, and rights of others are respected.

To achieve this, {{org_field_name}} will:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments before approving pet ownership.
• Ensure pets are cared for appropriately, with clear responsibilities outlined.
• Monitor pet welfare and address any issues promptly.
• Promote infection prevention, hygiene, and safety within the living environment.
• Balance individual rights with the collective well-being of all service users and staff.

4. Risk Assessment and Approval Process

Before a service user is permitted to keep a pet or bring an existing pet into the supported living environment, {{org_field_name}} undertakes a comprehensive risk assessment. This process ensures that the pet’s presence does not compromise health, safety, or the quality of life for others.

The risk assessment considers the following factors:

1. Suitability of the Pet:
   • The type, size, breed, and temperament of the pet.
   • The pet’s vaccination, neutering, and microchipping status.
   • Whether the pet poses any known risks, such as allergies, aggressive behaviour, or zoonotic diseases.
2. Service User’s Capacity and Ability to Care for the Pet:
   • The service user’s ability to meet the pet’s needs, including feeding, grooming, exercise, and healthcare.
   • Any physical or cognitive limitations that may affect the service user’s ability to care for the pet.
   • Whether the service user requires additional support to care for the pet.
3. Impact on the Living Environment:
   • The suitability of the accommodation for the pet, including space, ventilation, and safety.
   • The potential impact on other service users, staff, and visitors, including allergies, phobias, and noise disturbances.
   • Environmental risks, such as damage to property or sanitation concerns.
4. Health and Safety Considerations:
   • Infection control measures, including vaccination, flea and worm treatments, and hygiene standards.
   • Safe storage of pet food and supplies.
   • Waste management, including appropriate disposal of pet waste.

Following the risk assessment, the Registered Manager reviews the findings and determines whether the pet can be accommodated safely. Approval is granted only if the service can ensure safe cohabitation without compromising health, safety, or service quality.

5. Pet Care and Welfare Responsibilities

Once a pet is approved, {{org_field_name}} establishes a clear care plan outlining the service user’s responsibilities. This plan includes:

• Feeding and Hydration: The service user is responsible for ensuring the pet has access to appropriate food and clean water.
• Health and Veterinary Care: Pets must be registered with a local veterinary practice, receive routine health checks, and be up to date with vaccinations, flea and worm treatments.
• Grooming and Hygiene: Pets must be groomed regularly, and their living areas kept clean and free from odours or waste.
• Exercise and Enrichment: Pets requiring regular exercise, such as dogs, must be walked daily in accordance with their needs.
• Emergency Care: A contingency plan is established for pet care in the event of the service user’s illness, hospitalisation, or other emergencies.

Staff monitor the pet’s welfare through regular checks, ensuring that the animal’s needs are met without compromising the service user’s well-being.

6. Infection Control and Hygiene Standards

To maintain a safe, hygienic environment, {{org_field_name}} implements robust infection prevention and control measures, including:

• Ensuring pets are vaccinated, flea-treated, and wormed regularly.
• Regular cleaning of pet bedding, cages, litter trays, and feeding areas.
• Safe storage of pet food and supplies to prevent contamination.
• Prompt disposal of pet waste using appropriate methods.
• Handwashing before and after handling pets or cleaning their living spaces.

If a pet shows signs of illness or poor hygiene, the service user is encouraged to seek veterinary advice promptly. In cases of zoonotic infection risk, the pet may be temporarily excluded from communal areas until the issue is resolved.

7. Managing Risks to Service Users, Staff, and Visitors

{{org_field_name}} takes proactive steps to minimise risks associated with pet ownership, ensuring that the presence of pets does not compromise the health, safety, or comfort of others. Key strategies include:

• Allergy and Phobia Management: Staff identify service users, staff, or visitors with allergies or phobias and implement reasonable adjustments, such as limiting the pet’s access to communal areas.
• Behavioural Management: Pets must be well-behaved, non-aggressive, and socialised. If a pet displays aggressive behaviour, the risk assessment is reviewed, and appropriate action taken.
• Noise Control: Pets must not create excessive noise that disrupts the living environment. If noise becomes an issue, staff work with the service user to implement solutions, such as behaviour training or environmental adjustments.

Staff are trained to identify potential risks and respond promptly, ensuring that service users, staff, and pets remain safe.

8. Monitoring and Review

To ensure the continued safety and well-being of both service users and pets, {{org_field_name}} conducts regular reviews of the pet care plan and risk assessment. This includes:

• Routine Welfare Checks: Staff conduct periodic checks to ensure the pet’s needs are being met and that the service user can continue to manage pet care responsibilities.
• Quarterly Risk Assessment Reviews: Risk assessments are reviewed every three months or sooner if circumstances change, such as the pet’s health deteriorating or the service user’s ability to care for the pet changing.
• Incident Reporting: Any incidents involving pets, such as bites, allergies, or property damage, are documented and reviewed. The care plan and risk assessment are updated accordingly.

If a service user can no longer care for their pet, staff support them in finding appropriate alternative arrangements, ensuring that the pet’s welfare is not compromised.

9. Visiting Pets and Assistance Animals

{{org_field_name}} welcomes visiting pets, including assistance animals and emotional support animals, provided they meet health, safety, and behavioural standards. Visiting pets are subject to a risk assessment, ensuring that they do not pose a threat to service users, staff, or the living environment.

Assistance animals, such as guide dogs, are always permitted under the Equality Act 2010 and CQC’s Regulation 10 on dignity and respect​. Reasonable adjustments are made to accommodate the needs of service users who rely on assistance animals, ensuring full access to services and facilities.

10. Training and Staff Awareness

To support safe and effective pet management, all staff receive training on:

• Conducting pet-related risk assessments.
• Identifying signs of neglect, illness, or poor pet welfare.
• Implementing infection control measures.
• Managing incidents involving pets, such as bites or allergies.

Training ensures that staff can support service users effectively while maintaining safety and promoting positive outcomes for all.

11. Safeguarding and Escalation

If concerns arise regarding pet welfare or the service user’s ability to care for their pet, staff follow {{org_field_name}}’s Safeguarding Policy​. This includes:

• Reporting concerns to the Registered Manager immediately.
• Conducting a welfare check and updating the risk assessment.
• Supporting the service user in accessing veterinary care or alternative pet care solutions.

If the pet’s presence poses a significant risk to the service user, others, or the pet itself, {{org_field_name}} works with the service user, family members, and external agencies to find a suitable resolution, prioritising safety and well-being.

12. Related Policies

This policy works alongside the following policies:

• Infection Prevention and Control Policy​.
• Person-Centred Care Policy​.
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy​.
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy​.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy​.
• Complaints and Feedback Policy​.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, CQC guidance, or operational requirements. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring the policy remains current, effective, and aligned with best practices.

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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.