Celebrating International Dog Day 2026

While our homes are fortunate to welcome a wonderful variety of visiting animals throughout the year, today, on International Dog Day, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the fantastic work our visiting Therapet dogs do.

Leaving a lasting impression on our residents, staff and visitors, Therapets are a wonderful addition to our homes, helping to reduce stress and bring a sense of comfort and companionship. But their impact in care homes is particularly special.

For our residents, many of whom have had pets for much of their lives, a visit from a therapy animal can mean far more than simply brightening a Wednesday afternoon. It can bring back familiar feelings of companionship, routine and connection, offering comfort and joy, and reminding us why activities like these are so important.

What are the benefits of Therapets?

One of the most remarkable qualities of Therapets is their ability to connect with residents living with dementia or cognitive decline. When verbal communication can sometimes become frustrating or overwhelming, interacting with an animal can offer a different kind of connection - one based on touch, presence and sensory experiences.

The Physical and Emotional Benefits

The true benefit of these visits can be felt throughout our homes, supporting both physical wellbeing and emotional health. Without even realising it, residents often get involved in gentle movement - reaching out to pet the dog, throwing a ball or offering a treat. These simple interactions can encourage mobility and dexterity while feeling more like fun than exercise.

But perhaps the biggest impact is emotional. The affection of a therapy dog is wonderfully uncomplicated and unconditional, offering companionship, comfort and a welcome sense of connection. For residents who may sometimes feel lonely, even a short visit can bring a real lift to their day.

Therapets can also be a wonderful way of bringing people together. A visiting dog can naturally encourage quieter residents to spend time in communal areas, sparking conversations, laughter and memories of much-loved pets from years gone by.

And it’s not just our residents who benefit. The joy of a visiting animal wagging its tail through our hallways is hard to resist, meaning our care teams, visitors and families often leave a Therapet visit with a smile too.

Most importantly, every visit is tailored to each resident, taking into account their individual comfort levels, preferences and mobility. Whether it’s gentle play, a cuddle, a game, or simply spending a few quiet moments together, there’s something special about the connection between a person and an animal.

While International Dog Day gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our four-legged friends, we also want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to all of the Therapets who visit our homes throughout the year, and to the wonderful people who bring them to us. With everything from dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, and more – we’re so fortunate to have so many amazing opportunities to bond with animals.

The impact of these visits is often difficult to put into words. Time spent with animals can often turn an ordinary day into a very special one, creating genuine moments of connection and joy to our residents.

So, to all of our visiting Therapets - thank you. For the comfort you bring, the memories you help create and the happiness you bring through our doors. Your visits mean more than you might realise, and we are incredibly grateful for the difference you make to our residents, their families and our teams.