Bringing Comfort and Companionship Through Animals
Animal therapy in care homes across the UK is more than just entertainment — it is a proven way to support well-being, comfort, and mental health. At Wild Science, we deliver safe and engaging animal therapy sessions for care homes, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, and residential care facilities.
Often called pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy, these visits bring joy, emotional support, and companionship to residents of all ages. Our therapy animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, and even invertebrates, help create a calm and relaxing atmosphere where residents feel connected, valued, and part of the local community.
Why Therapy in Care Homes Matters
The benefits of animal therapy are wide-reaching:
- Reduce stress and anxiety in residents
- Support cognitive function and memory, especially for those living with dementia
- Provide positive interactions that encourage social interaction between fellow residents
- Promote cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and balance stress levels
- Spark happy memories of past pets, creating comfort and conversation
Research suggests that regular animal interaction through animal-assisted interventions can improve mood by up to 80%, reduce isolation, and create a sense of belonging.
What Happens in an Animal Therapy Session?
During our animal visit, residents meet a variety of furry friends and various animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, and even farm animals like chickens and ducks (Note: Birds may make an appearance but are not guaranteed).
Some sessions include therapy Guinea Pigs or Reptiles, while others introduce smaller species for gentle handling and interaction. For example, stroking a rabbit, feeding a guinea pig, or even watching a tortoise walk can spark joy and encourage balanced mental and emotional well-being.
Residents can:
- Hold or stroke a trained animal under staff supervision
- Interact through touch and facial expressions, even if verbal communication is limited
- Share the experience with family members, staff, and other residents
These benefits of pet therapy create lasting happy memories and strengthen bonds within the care setting.
Therapeutic Power of Animal Encounters
The therapeutic relationships between people and animals have been recognised for centuries. Animals naturally calm stress, reduce agitation, and promote natural healing.
The health benefits of animal-assisted activities include:
- Lower stress levels
- Reduced blood pressure
- Improved mobility and fine motor skills
- Better cognitive function
- Greater sense of inclusion and confidence
Our fantastic team of care specialists regularly adapts sessions to meet the needs of retirement living communities, dementia care, and community care environments.
Measuring the Benefits of Animal Therapy in Care
We encourage care homes to regularly seek input from residents, staff, and family members about the impact of our sessions. Many homes also use leading care home review platforms to track the success of their accessible activities programme.
By measuring outcomes such as resident participation, mood improvements, and the benefits animal visits bring, homes can see the full therapeutic power of our workshops.
“Residents said it was the highlight of the week. The animals were gentle, and the staff created a calm, safe space for everyone.” – Care Home in Liverpool
Why Choose Wild Science?
- Trusted Experts – DBS-checked handlers, SEN-trained staff, and qualified animal specialists
- Wide Range of Animals – from dogs, cats, guinea pigs, cockatoos, reptiles, and invertebrates
- Nationwide Service – strong presence in Norfolk, Durham, Lincolnshire, Somerset, Manchester, and Scotland
- Safety & Welfare First – RSPCA welfare standards, comprehensive insurance, and stress-free animal care
Whether it’s a special event, routine animal therapy in care, or a community gathering, Wild Science provides unforgettable experiences that bring comfort, joy, and therapeutic benefits to residents.
Book Your Care Home Animal Therapy Workshop
Bring the benefits of animal therapy to your residents. Whether you’re in Durham, Norwich, Lincoln, Taunton, Glasgow, Manchester, or nearby areas, our team can create the perfect party-style workshop or calming session for your care setting.
Give your residents the chance to experience the healing power of animal visits and create lasting happy memories with Wild Science.
Please note that the list of animals we bring to events may vary, and we cannot guarantee the presence of any particular species.
Related Services:
- School Workshops: Curriculum-aligned science and animal education
- Birthday Parties: Memorable animal encounters for special celebrations
- Corporate Events: Team-building experiences with wildlife
- Care Home Visits: Therapeutic animal interactions for residents
- Private Consultations: Expert advice on pet care and animal behaviour
Service Areas: London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, and throughout the South East of England
Available for: Schools, birthday parties, corporate events, care homes, and special events.
For more details, up-to-date prices, and to make a booking, please call us or reach us on WhatsApp
