Pet Therapy: small moments that make a big difference

There are some conversations that stay with you long after the microphones are turned off, and this was one of them.

In this chat with Rosie and Linda from Pets as Therapy, the focus was on something beautifully simple: the comfort an animal can bring to someone who needs it most.

Pets as Therapy, or PAT, is a charity that works with volunteers and their animals to bring joy to hospitals, care homes, schools and community spaces across the UK.

The idea is straightforward, but the impact is huge — a friendly dog or cat can help reduce loneliness, ease stress and lift a person’s mood in a way that feels immediate and natural.

A visit that changes the mood

Linda explained that PAT visits are about creating “moments of magic” for the people receiving them, whether that’s in a classroom, a care home or another setting where a little calm and connection can make all the difference.

The animals involved are carefully assessed for temperament, so it’s not about breed or size — it’s about being calm, gentle and comfortable around people. That means therapy animals can range from miniature dachshunds like Terri to much bigger breeds, as long as they have the right nature for the work.

One of the most moving parts of the conversation came when Linda described how Terri visited a gentleman in end-of-life care at the request of his family. He had wanted to see a dog before he passed away, and that short visit gave him comfort at an incredibly important time.

It was a reminder that these visits can mean far more than a quick distraction — sometimes they become a cherished final memory.

Helping children feel safe

The benefits aren’t limited to older people or hospital settings. Linda also spoke about school visits, where Terri helps children build confidence, especially those who are anxious, neurodivergent or struggling with reading. The “read to dog” idea works so well because the dog doesn’t judge, interrupt or correct — it simply listens, which can take the pressure off children who feel nervous about reading aloud.

Linda described moments when a child arrives overwhelmed or upset and gradually settles just by sitting with Terri and stroking him. After a few minutes, they may feel calm enough to go back to class. Those small shifts can be life-changing for children who need a little emotional support in the moment.

Why the need is growing

In the shorter follow-up chat, Linda shared some striking figures that show just how much demand there is for this kind of work. Pets as Therapy has more than 5,900 volunteers nationwide, visits 7,213 places regularly, and reaches around 2 million people.

Even with that level of activity, the charity still receives 256 new requests for visits every month, which says a lot about how much people value the comfort animals can bring.

Linda also pointed out that demand seems to have grown since Covid, with more people recognising the importance of wellbeing support and human connection. That feels especially relevant now, when many schools, care homes and community settings are looking for simple, affordable ways to support emotional wellbeing.

How to get involved

For anyone inspired by the conversation, the process of getting involved is straightforward. Volunteers can register their pet through the Pets as Therapy website, and the charity assesses animals to make sure they are suitable for visits. It costs £25 a year to register, which helps cover admin costs and supports the charity’s work.

Linda was clear that there’s a real need for more volunteers, especially calm, friendly pets who enjoy meeting people. And if you’re not a dog person, that’s fine too — cats can be therapy animals as well, and they can be just as affectionate and reassuring in the right setting.

A simple kindness

What came through most strongly from this conversation was that you don’t need a grand gesture to make a difference.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer is a quiet, friendly presence — a paw on a knee, a calm face to read to, or a moment of comfort in a difficult day.

That’s the real heart of Pets as Therapy, and it’s a lovely reminder of how much good animals can do.

• More information at Pets as Therapy