Good examples of Animal Assisted intervention in the UK:
Scottish based Paws for Progress, they develop and delivering educational programmes and tailored Animal Assisted Interventions to groups in society most needing support.
Their founding programme is based at HM YOI Polmont, Scotland’s national holding facility for male young offenders aged 18-21 years. Read more here.
Kent based Pets as Therapy, they enhance health and wellbeing in the community through visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, special needs schools and a variety of other venues all across the UK. Read more here.
Dogs For Good, formerly Dogs for the Disabled they are at the forefront of development in the UK, building on the knowledge and experience they have gained through their Assistance Dog and Family Dog services. Read more on their Community Dog Programme here.
Noah’s Art in Manchester is a progressive, innovative and therapeutic service developed by an experienced mental health nurse. They offer a safe space to reconnect with life and living things. For those who love animals, their service is suitable for all ages. They have a selection of therapy animals; dogs, rats, mice, stick insects, rabbits, snails and guinea pigs. Most rabbits and guinea pigs have been rescued. Read more here.
Therapy Dogs Nationwide based on the Wirral is a charity providing various programmes involving dogs for the benefit of those receiving the service. They came into being early in 2016 and is managed entirely by volunteers. Read more here.
Merseyside Dogs Home operate in the Liverpool City region a Superdog programme. They take the travel of lost and abandoned dogs through a journey of recovery, as they arrive unloved, often physically and mentally ill, emotionally insecure and stressed. They rehabilitate them, securing them happy endings in new and forever homes.
It is amazing, is that during their recovery process, dogs are utilised to give back unconditional love to children, adults and the elderly through a Animal Assisted Intervention programme named Superdogs. Read more here.
Irish Therapy Dogs‘ Mission is to provide physical, therapeutic and educational benefit to people, young and old, fit and frail, alert and impaired, in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Day Care Centres, Schools and other places where people may be restricted from having pets and where the presence of dogs and their owners, will add comfort and support. Read more here.
Nurture Dogs based in Essex offering a six-week animal therapy programme for school children with low self-esteem or confidence, disabilities, poor attendance and difficulties engaging with the school education system. Also undertake once-per-week animal therapy sessions in private hospitals and secure units with adults on the Autistic Spectrum or with a dual diagnosis, as well as sessions in care homes for residents with learning disabilities and dementia. Read more here.