Pets As Therapy

10/12/2025

Across the UK, thousands of people will spend the holidays feeling isolated, anxious or facing incredibly hard moments. But a gentle nuzzle, a wagging tail or a dog resting their head on someone’s lap can change everything.

Just ask Charles. His PAT Dog, Annie — a tiny Yorkshire Terrier with a huge heart — brings comfort to children learning to read, stressed students, and people in hospices who simply need to know they’re not alone.

Your donation can help more teams like Charles and Annie reach those who need this magic most.

Gift the gift of magic here - https://www.facebook.com/donate/867938109246620/1306180538216622

09/12/2025

With demand for PAT visits growing rapidly across the UK, we urgently need your help to support more volunteers, reach more communities and bring these moments of magic to more people.

Karen, the owner of Toffee and Dixie, has a personal connection to the PAT program through her family's care at Elenor Hospice. She has been a PAT volunteer since 2004, bringing comfort and companionship to patients, relatives, and staff alike.

If you can give even a small amount to our Christmas appeal, you’ll be helping to share comfort, joy, and hope with those who need it most and we are truly grateful for your kindness.

07/12/2025

Congratulations to everyone graduating this month! 🎓

It’s such a special time of year as students celebrate their incredible achievements and we’re so proud that many of our PAT dogs are part of those celebrations.

Our PAT dogs also visit universities throughout the year to welcome new students and support them during busy or stressful times. Spending just a few minutes with a therapy dog has been shown to help reduce anxiety, boost mood, and make people feel more connected, something we all need when starting a new chapter.

How great does Ralph look? 😀🐾

05/12/2025

Pets As Therapy dog, Eric, was delighted to spend time with the Aircraft Engineering students at Exeter College’s Future Skills Centre.

With such an intensive and high-pressure course, taking a pause with a friendly furry visitor can make all the difference.

Thank you, Eric, for bringing calm where it’s needed most 🐶

04/12/2025

03/12/2025

Annie and her owner Charles Rae are one of the many PAT Teams making a difference every day in hospices, hospitals, care homes, classrooms, universities and community settings. Their story reflects the growing need for therapy dog visits across the UK and the importance of public support this Christmas.

Annie started volunteering at Ayrshire Hospice in 2023 after a behaviourist recognised her gentle nature.

For Charles, it was the chance to return to a place he’d hoped to support ever since visiting as a young engineer 40 years ago.

Annie instinctively adapts to each patient offering calm, connection and memories of much-loved pets.

Demand for PAT visits continues to rise across the UK especially in hospices, hospitals and schools, but we urgently need more volunteers and donations to meet the need.

If you can spare anything to help us give the gift of magic this Christmas then please donate here >> https://www.facebook.com/donate/867938109246620/

01/12/2025

Please take one minute to nominate us for £1,000!

Benefact Group's Movement for Good is back for 2025, with over £1 million to be donated to charity.

There are 6 draws across the year, and all you have to do to give us a chance in all of them is nominate us via their website.

Nominations close soon. You can make your vote here - https://movementforgood.com/

Please use the 1112194 - PETS AS THERAPY option. Thank you so much 💛

29/11/2025

How brilliant are these drawings of PAT dog Scooter? The children at Sussex Hospital absolutely nailed it! 🤩

27/11/2025

At Pets As Therapy, you don’t just volunteer, you join a community.

Our volunteers and their amazing dogs support each other just as much as they support the people they visit.

Here's volunteers, Pauline, Jen, Viv and Heather who met up to have a coffee, share stories, and exchange furry cuddles 🐾

If you'd like to become a PAT volunteer you can learn more via our website 🐶😺