In this episode, we speak with Dr Elizabeth Ormerod BVMS, veterinary surgeon and chair of the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS). Dr Ormerod discusses her long-standing work integrating veterinary practice with social care, animal welfare education, and community-based programs.

Liz outlines her development of animal-assisted services across education, healthcare, and prison settings, and reflects on efforts to promote pet-inclusive housing in the UK, along with the systemic and cultural barriers that often make this difficult.

Drawing on her experience running a practice in Fleetwood, she explains how bond-centred veterinary models can support both animal welfare and client wellbeing, particularly in communities facing social or economic challenges.

We also discuss the practical realities of veterinary outreach in underserved areas, as well as the financial pressures many clients face. Dr Ormerod describes her use of pro bono work and flexible payment strategies to ensure animals receive necessary care, and reflects on how the rise of corporate veterinary models may affect affordability and access.

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Podlet Guest

Dr Elizabeth Ormerod

https://www.scas.org.uk/about/governance-and-staff/elizabeth-ormerod/

PodCrew

Dr. Kris Hill PhD Candidate, University of Exeter

⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠https://katzenlife.wordpress.com/⁠⁠

Dr. Michelle Szydlowski

⁠⁠[email protected]

⁠⁠www.internationalelephants.org⁠⁠

@intl_elephants

Sarah Oxley Heaney

PhD Candidate, University of Exeter

[email protected]

⁠⁠www.kissingsharks.com/⁠⁠

References

Howell T. et al. Defining Terms Used for Animals Working inSupport Roles for People with Support NeedsAnimals 2022, 12(15),1975; ⁠https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151975⁠

Jegatheesan B., Enders-Slegers MJ, Ormerod E., Boyden P.Understanding the Link between Animal Cruelty and FamilyViolence: The Bioecological Systems Model. InternationalJournal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020

Ormerod E. Supporting older people with pets in shelteredhousing. In Practice · March 2012 DOI: 10.1136/inp.e1041Ormerod E. The role of pets in institutions -child developmentand animals in schools THE FECAVA SYMPOSIUM 2012Companion Journal

Ormerod, E.J. Bond-centered veterinary practice: Lessons forveterinary faculty and students. J. Vet. Med. Educ. 2008, 35,545–551. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Ormerod E. Companion animals and offender rehabilitation-experiences from a therapeutic community in Scotland. Journalof Therapeutic Communities 2008

Ormerod E. Companion Animals. Working with Older PeopleSeptember 2005 Volume 9 Issue 3

Ormerod E. Animal Companions: planning and implementing aprogramme. Working with Older People December 2005Volume 9 Issue 4

Foster S, Whyham, M., Ormerod E., Edney A. Therapeuticapplications of the human-companion animal bond.  TheVeterinary record · December 2005 DOI:10.1136/vr.157.22.689 · Source: PubMed