Therapy Dog Services
Connection,
Calm,
Companionship.
Dogs can bring a unique quality to therapeutic and wellbeing settings. Their presence can help people feel more at ease, support connection and conversation, and create moments of comfort, enjoyment and calm.
Our therapy dog services combine the warmth and companionship of a carefully selected and trained therapy dog with a professional, thoughtful and person-centred approach.
Services are available for individuals, residential aged care facilities, health and community services, schools, workplaces and other organisations.
Depending on the setting, therapy dog involvement may support:
relaxation and emotional regulation
social connection and engagement
conversation and reminiscence
reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation
positive sensory and emotional experiences
participation in counselling or therapeutic conversations
general wellbeing and enjoyment
Our therapy dog services are tailored to the needs of the individual, group or organisation.
Meet Sunny
Sunny is a six-year old rescue greyhound and certified therapy dog.
She has a gentle nature and a remarkable ability to simply be present with people.
Like many greyhounds, Sunny is quiet, sensitive and calm. She enjoys human company without demanding attention and is equally comfortable receiving a pat, resting nearby or simply sharing the space.
Her temperament makes her particularly well suited to environments where a quieter and less intrusive form of animal interaction is valued.
Sunny's welfare is central to every visit. The number, length and nature of sessions are carefully managed so that participation remains safe and enjoyable for her as well as for the people she meets.
Over time, other suitably selected therapy dogs may also become part of the service.
Sometimes the journey begins with a memory, a thought, or a question about what matters most. Sunny can accompany you as you reflect, reminisce and explore what is important to you, even when you are not quite sure where the conversation will lead.
Our Approach
Professional, person-centred and animal-aware
Successful therapy dog work depends on more than bringing a friendly dog into a room.
Our approach considers the wellbeing and safety of both people and animals.
Services are delivered with attention to:
informed consent
individual preferences and choice
privacy and confidentiality
professional boundaries
infection prevention and hygiene
risk assessment
allergies and sensitivities
cultural considerations
organisational policies and procedures
appropriate dog temperament and behaviour
animal welfare
appropriate rest and workload for the therapy dog
The dog's participation is always considered in the context of the needs of the person or organisation receiving the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a therapy dog?
A therapy dog is a dog selected and prepared to interact safely and appropriately with people in therapeutic, health, wellbeing or community settings.
Unlike an assistance dog, a therapy dog is not trained to perform tasks for one particular person and generally does not have public-access rights.
Is therapy dog work the same as counselling?
No.
Therapy dog visitation can be provided as a wellbeing and engagement service without counselling.
Where the dog is incorporated into a counselling session, professional counselling remains the primary service and the dog provides an additional therapeutic resource.
Does everyone have to interact with the dog?
No.
Participation is always voluntary.
People can choose to interact actively, observe from a distance or not participate at all.
What if someone is frightened of dogs or has an allergy?
This is discussed with the individual or organisation before the service begins.
Visits are planned so that people who do not wish to interact with the dog can avoid contact.
Can visits be arranged regularly?
Yes.
Weekly, fortnightly and monthly arrangements can be developed depending on location, availability and organisational needs.
How long does a visit last?
Most organisational visits are approximately 60 minutes, although shorter or longer programs can be discussed.
The duration and frequency of visits are also influenced by the wellbeing and working capacity of the therapy dog.
Do you provide services outside aged care?
Yes.
Therapy dog services may be suitable for health, community, disability and wellbeing organisations as well as workplaces and selected events.
How do we arrange a visit?
Please make contact to discuss your organisation, the people you support and what you would like the therapy dog program to achieve.
From there, we can determine the most appropriate format, frequency and approach.
For Organisations
Interested in establishing a therapy dog program?
Every organisation is different.
Before commencing, we will discuss:
the purpose of the visits
the people who will participate
preferred visit frequency and duration
suitable areas within the facility
clinical or operational considerations
infection prevention requirements
risk management
consent and privacy
staff responsibilities
emergency arrangements
any specific needs of residents, clients or employees
Following this discussion, a tailored service proposal can be provided.
Enquire about therapy dog services
To discuss a one-off visit or regular therapy dog program, please get in touch.
We welcome enquiries from residential aged care providers, health and community services, workplaces and other organisations interested in incorporating the benefits of human-animal connection into their wellbeing programs.