Some of the quietest residents I worked with would come alive when a dog walked into the lounge. A gentleman who rarely spoke would reach down to stroke its ears and start telling me about the kelpie he had on the farm. A lady who usually sat apart would ask the handler the dog’s name, then ask again five minutes later, and that was fine. Nobody needed to remember the visit for it to matter while it was happening.
This guide covers what animal-assisted therapy and animal visits can realistically offer older people in aged care, the different types of visits you can arrange, how to run them safely, and what to do when real animals just aren’t an option.
What animal-assisted therapy is (and isn’t)
Strictly speaking, animal-assisted therapy is planned, goal-based work led by a health professional, such as a physio using a dog to encourage walking. Most of what happens in aged care is really animal-assisted activity: a friendly visit, a pat, a chat and a bit of company. Both are worthwhile. Just be clear with families and staff about which one you’re offering.
What the benefits actually look like
On the floor, the benefits are usually small, in-the-moment things:
- Conversation: animals give people something easy to talk about, with staff, visitors and each other.
- Calm and comfort: stroking a soft coat can settle some residents, especially in the late afternoon.
- A reason to move: reaching to pat, brushing a dog, throwing a ball, or walking out to the garden to see the chooks.
- A familiar role: many residents spent their lives caring for animals. Feeding or brushing one can feel normal and purposeful.
- Connection: residents who don’t join group activities will often come over for a dog.
What the research says
Studies are encouraging but modest. A 2023 systematic review of animal-assisted and robotic animal interventions in dementia care found the clearest evidence was for reduced agitation, with promising but less certain results for mood and quality of life, and noted that many studies were small (Shoesmith et al., 2023). Animal visits don’t improve memory or slow dementia. Treat them as a meaningful, enjoyable activity, not a treatment.
Types of animal visits for aged care
Visiting therapy dogs
The most common option. Look for an organisation whose dogs and handlers are assessed and insured for aged care, and ask for their paperwork. A regular day and time works best: residents and staff start to look forward to “dog day”, even if they can’t say which day it is.
Resident pets
Some homes keep a cat, a pair of budgies or chooks in the garden. It works well when there’s a written care plan, a named staff member responsible for feeding and vet care, and a backup for days off. Without that, the animal’s welfare suffers and so does the goodwill.
Farm and petting visits
Mobile farms bring lambs, ducklings, rabbits and sometimes a pony. These are wonderful for residents who grew up on the land. Hold them outdoors or on a covered verandah, with a handwashing station set up before the animals arrive.
Aquariums and birds
A fish tank in a lounge or a bird feeder outside a window needs no touching at all, which suits residents who are frail, in bed or nervous of animals. Our hanging birdseed feeders activity is an easy way to bring birds closer.
Robotic and plush pets for dementia
Robotic cats and dogs that purr, meow or turn their heads can bring real comfort to some people living with dementia, particularly in later stages. Offer them gently, never insist, and don’t correct someone who believes the cat is real. Some residents won’t be interested at all, and that’s fine too. You’ll find more on this in Nurturing Therapy Using Simulated Pets and Babies.
Tip: Keep a robotic pet in a basket in the lounge rather than handing it to someone. Residents who want it will reach for it. Wipe it down between users the same way you’d clean any shared equipment.
How to set up a safe animal visit
- Check your facility’s policy first. Most homes have an animal visit policy covering vaccinations, vet checks, insurance and which areas animals can go into. Keep animals out of kitchens, food prep areas and clinical rooms.
- Infection control. Ask your infection control lead before any visit. Pause visits during an outbreak, and check with the nurse before visiting residents with open wounds, low immunity or infections.
- Hand hygiene. Hand gel or a handwashing station before and after every touch, for residents, staff and handlers. Make it part of the routine, not an afterthought.
- Allergies and fears. Check care plans and ask families. Some people were bitten as children or simply don’t like dogs, and some have cultural or religious reasons to avoid them.
- Residents’ choice. Always ask, “Would you like to say hello?” A no is a no. Set up the visit so people can watch from a distance without being approached.
- Supervision. The handler stays with their animal the whole time, and a staff member stays with the group. Watch thin skin and walking frames around excited animals and leads.
- Watch the animal too. Short visits (30–60 minutes), water available, and somewhere quiet to rest. A tired dog is not a safe dog.
Tip: Put a small table or a towel on a resident’s lap so a small dog or cat can sit close without claws on fragile skin.
Adapting visits for dementia and limited mobility
- Go to them. Bring a calm, small animal room to room for residents in bed or who don’t cope with groups.
- Keep groups small and quiet. Turn off the TV. Too many people around one dog becomes noisy fast.
- Approach from the front and at eye level so the animal doesn’t startle anyone.
- Guide hands gently if needed, and show where to stroke (back and shoulders, away from the face).
- Bring the animal up to their level. Use a cushion on the bed or a raised surface so wheelchair users don’t have to lean down.
- Repeat freely. Answer the same question about the dog’s name as often as it’s asked, with the same warmth each time.
- Watch for distress. Some people may become upset, think the animal is their own lost pet, or not want it to leave. Plan a gentle goodbye (“Bella needs a drink now, she’ll come back to see you”).
Conversation prompts about the pets they had
Animals are one of the easiest ways into a chat about the past. Keep questions open and don’t test anyone. If they can’t answer, talk about your own pet instead.
- Did you have a dog or cat growing up? What was its name?
- Who fed the animals in your house?
- Did you ever keep chooks, a cow or a horse?
- Was there a working dog on the farm?
- What sort of mischief did your pets get up to?
- Did you ever have a budgie that could talk?
- What would you name this dog if he were yours?
For more questions, use our Pet Quiz & Reminiscing Questions for Seniors.
Low-cost ideas when animals aren’t possible
- Staff pet photos: ask staff to bring in photos of their pets and play our Animals & Staff Guessing Game.
- Animal quizzes: try the Dog Quiz, Animal Quiz or What Am I? Animal Edition.
- Bird watching: put a feeder or birdbath where residents can see it from inside.
- Animal videos: a short clip of lambs or puppies on the TV, with someone sitting alongside to chat about it.
- Soft toys and sensory items: a weighted or textured plush animal for residents who like something to hold.
- Visual stories: read an animal story together using Visual Storytime.
- Crafts: the Pet Rock Cactus Art Activity is a light-hearted option.
Quick checklist before your first visit
Policy checked · Infection control lead consulted · Handler’s insurance and vet records sighted · Allergies, fears and preferences noted · Hand gel and towels ready · Quiet space and water for the animal · Staff member rostered to supervise.
Animal visits don’t need to be elaborate. A calm dog, a few minutes of patting and someone to talk to about the dogs they’ve loved can be the best part of a resident’s week. Start small, keep it safe and let residents lead.
