Case Study: Supporting Mental Health Recovery Through Pet Care
A pioneering partnership between CWPT and RSPCA Coventry & District
For many people experiencing mental health challenges, pets are much more than companions. They provide comfort, routine, motivation and emotional support during some of life's most difficult moments.
Recognising this important connection, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) and RSPCA Coventry & District developed an innovative partnership that supports both people and their animals when additional help is needed.
The Challenge
Mental health difficulties can sometimes affect a person's ability to meet all of their pet's needs, particularly during periods of crisis or reduced wellbeing. At the same time, concerns about a pet's care can increase stress and anxiety for owners who deeply value the companionship their animals provide.
For staff at CWPT, identifying concerns about pets often highlighted a gap in available support. There was a need for a service that could support animal care while helping people maintain the benefits that pet ownership can bring.
The Solution
The partnership brings together mental health and animal welfare expertise to provide early intervention, practical support and education.
When CWPT staff identify concerns or additional support needs, patients can be referred to RSPCA Coventry & District. With consent, representatives visit the home to assess the situation and provide tailored advice and assistance.
Support is centred around promoting the five welfare needs of animals:
- A suitable diet
- A suitable environment
- The ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease through appropriate healthcare
- Appropriate companionship
The aim is to prevent issues from escalating while supporting both owner wellbeing and animal welfare.
How the Partnership Started
The programme was initiated by Community Psychiatric Nurse Paula Young after concerns arose regarding a patient's pet. Recognising the absence of a dedicated support pathway, she approached a number of animal welfare organisations in search of a solution.
RSPCA Coventry & District responded, and together with Centre Manager Lorraine Bryan Arnold, developed a unique model that bridges mental health care and animal welfare support.
Lorraine's professional background across mental health, substance misuse, homelessness services and animal welfare helped shape an approach that addresses the needs of both people and pets.
The Impact
Since launching, the programme has supported:
- 24 dogs
- 5 cats
- 2 households with both a dog and a cat
- 4 households with multiple pets
The support provided has included:
- Access to emergency pet food
- Advice on animal behaviour
- Support accessing veterinary treatment
- Registration with welfare services such as the PDSA
- Assistance with neutering costs
- Guidance on responsible pet ownership
The partnership has also increased awareness among NHS professionals of the strong links between human and animal wellbeing, with clinicians increasingly considering pets as part of holistic care planning.
Real-Life Outcomes
The impact of the programme is demonstrated through the experiences of those it has supported.
One patient received emergency pet food after temporarily running out of supplies and expressed gratitude for the immediate help provided.
Another individual faced veterinary costs of between £600 and £800 for urgent dental treatment for their dog. Through the partnership, they accessed food support, PDSA registration and treatment pathways. Following intervention and pain relief for their pet, the individual reported feeling significantly better themselves.
In another case, support was provided towards the neutering costs of two dogs, prompting the owner to contact the team personally to express their thanks.
Voices Behind the Partnership
Lorraine Bryan Arnold, Centre Manager, RSPCA Coventry & District:
"What makes this programme so special is that it recognises something we see every day: the wellbeing of people and their animals is often deeply connected. Pets provide comfort, companionship, routine and a sense of purpose, particularly during challenging periods in people's lives. When someone is struggling with their mental health, concerns about their pet's welfare can add to the pressures they are already facing, even when they care deeply about their animal."
"By working alongside CWPT, we're able to intervene early and offer practical support, advice and education that helps people continue providing the best possible care for their pets. Often, relatively small interventions can make a significant difference, whether that's helping someone access veterinary treatment, pet food or specialist guidance. What has been most rewarding is seeing the positive impact on both the animals and their owners. This partnership shows what can be achieved when organisations work together to support the whole picture, rather than focusing on one issue in isolation."
Julie Frake-Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust:
"At CWPT, we know that recovery and wellbeing extend beyond clinical care. For many of the people we support, pets are cherished members of the family and play a vital role in providing comfort, routine, motivation and companionship. They can be a source of stability during difficult times and are often an important part of a person's recovery journey."
"This partnership with RSPCA Coventry & District demonstrates the value of taking a truly holistic approach to care. By recognising the connection between human wellbeing and animal welfare, we have been able to provide support that addresses practical challenges while helping people maintain the relationships that matter most to them. The difference the programme has made is evident not only in improved outcomes for pets, but also in the confidence, peace of mind and wellbeing of the people we support. We are incredibly proud of this innovative collaboration and the commitment shown by colleagues and partners in making it such a success."
Recognition
The programme's innovative approach has attracted both local and national recognition.
Lorraine Bryan Arnold received the RSPCA Impact Award for Prevention in 2025 and was named Coventry & Warwickshire Community Leader of the Year in 2026. Alongside Paula Young, she has also received nominations recognising the partnership's innovation and positive community impact.
Looking Ahead
The partnership continues to demonstrate the powerful connection between mental health and animal welfare. By supporting people and their pets together, CWPT and RSPCA Coventry & District are helping to protect important relationships, improve wellbeing and create better outcomes for communities across Coventry and Warwickshire.