“Pioneering” NHS and RSPCA Partnership Supports Mental Health Recovery Through Pet Care
A collaboration between Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) and RSPCA Coventry & District is helping people experiencing mental health challenges to care for their pets, while improving wellbeing for both owners and animals.
Recognising the vital role pets play in providing comfort, routine, purpose and companionship, the partnership brings together mental health and animal welfare expertise to ensure support is available when people need it most.
Believed to be the first programme of its kind, the initiative was developed to address the close connection between human wellbeing and animal welfare. With around 70 per cent of NHS mental health service users owning pets, the programme provides practical guidance, education and early intervention to help people continue caring for their animals during difficult periods.
Mental health professionals can refer service users where it has been identified that additional support may be required relating to animal care or where it would be beneficial. With the patient's consent, representatives from RSPCA Coventry & District visit their home to offer tailored advice and practical assistance, helping to prevent issues from escalating.
Since launching, the programme has supported more than 30 households and a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats and multi-pet households. Support has included help with accessing veterinary care, pet food, behaviour advice and wider welfare services.
The partnership was created after Community Psychiatric Nurse, Paula Young, identified concerns about a patient's pet and recognised a gap in the support available. After approaching several animal welfare organisations, she connected with RSPCA Coventry & District, who are a local, independent charity, where Centre Manager, Lorraine Bryan Arnold helped develop a model that continues to make a positive difference across Coventry and Warwickshire.
The impact can be seen through the experiences of those supported by the service.
One service user who had temporarily run out of pet food received emergency supplies and was extremely grateful for the support. Another pet owner facing hundreds of pounds in veterinary costs for urgent dental treatment for their dog was helped to access food supplies, register with the PDSA and arrange treatment. Following the support provided, the individual felt a significant improvement in their own wellbeing.
The programme has also helped people access support with costs such as neutering and provided guidance to individuals facing difficult decisions about pet ownership, ensuring the welfare of animals is protected while preserving the emotional benefits that pets bring.
See more details in our case study.
Lorraine Bryan Arnold, Centre Manager, RSPCA Coventry & District, said:
"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. By working alongside CWPT, we're able to offer practical support and compassion at the right time, helping people continue to provide the best possible care for their animals while reducing additional pressures on themselves. The positive difference we've seen for both pets and their owners has been remarkable."
Julie Frake-Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said:
"At CWPT, we know that recovery and wellbeing extend beyond clinical care. For many of the people we support, pets are beloved members of the family and play a vital role in providing comfort, routine and companionship. This partnership demonstrates the power of organisations coming together to take a truly holistic approach to care. By supporting people to look after their pets when they are facing challenges, we are helping to protect those important relationships and improve outcomes for individuals and animals alike."
The programme's success has also received 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. Together, CWPT and RSPCA Coventry & District hope the initiative will inspire wider recognition of the powerful connection between mental health and animal welfare.