Pets As Therapy

Pets As Therapy Find out more, including how to become a volunteer at:
www.petsastherapy.org

Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. Our volunteers and their temperament-assessed pets visit establishments such as care homes, hospitals, hospices, schools and prisons, and bring smiles to many faces. People of all ages get the chance to chat to someone — and stroke and cuddle a friendly dog or cat.

We've had quite a few new followers recently so we wanted to re-introduce ourselves and tell you more about the work we ...
27/10/2025

We've had quite a few new followers recently so we wanted to re-introduce ourselves and tell you more about the work we do 👋

At Pets As Therapy, our work is all about creating everyday moments of magic. We partner with schools, hospitals, care homes and community groups to bring the comfort, companionship and joy of a therapy pet visit to those who need it most.

From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting confidence and communication, our visits make a real difference to people’s wellbeing. With thousands of volunteers nationwide, we’re working to reach more people every year – ensuring that wherever there’s a need for a lift, a wagging tail or a gentle purr is never too far away.

If you'd like to learn more about volunteering or are interested in arranging a visit for your establishment, visit our website today >> https://www.petsastherapy.org/

Pets are pretty incredible. They give us unconditional love, without judgement or expectation. And they have a knack for...
26/10/2025

Pets are pretty incredible. They give us unconditional love, without judgement or expectation. And they have a knack for knowing how we feel and giving us exactly what we need – even when we don't know it ourselves.

Could your pet spread the joy? Visit our website to find out hoe you could become a volunteer 🐾

This month, we were delighted to unveil our refreshed brand identity with the support of actor Cathy Shipton, best known...
24/10/2025

This month, we were delighted to unveil our refreshed brand identity with the support of actor Cathy Shipton, best known for playing much-loved nurse Duffy in BBC’s Casualty.

Away from the screen, Cathy is a dedicated Pets As Therapy Volunteer with her 10-year-old dog, a collie/whippet called Pickle. Together they bring comfort, confidence and companionship to children at local schools, nurseries, libraries and colleges across Buckinghamshire.

As part of the launch, Cathy has lent her voice to our brand-new animation, helping to bring our charity’s mission to life and showcase the transformative impact of PAT Teams across the UK.

Our Read2Dogs programme helps children build literacy skills while boosting their confidence and concentration in the cl...
23/10/2025

Our Read2Dogs programme helps children build literacy skills while boosting their confidence and concentration in the classroom.

By reading aloud to a PAT Dog, children discover the joy of storytelling in a relaxed, supportive environment. The experience not only makes reading fun, but also encourages empathy, trust, and a deeper understanding of animals.

Every year, we bring PAT Dogs into hundreds of schools, making a real difference to young people’s lives.

If you know a school that could benefit from welcoming our PAT Dogs, please get in touch or visit https://www.petsastherapy.org/book-a-visit/schools

📷 Thank you to Okehampton Library and Rafa the PAT dog for the great picture!

New PAT volunteer Bailey and his owner Sharon enjoyed their very first visit this month! 🐾 They had the joy of sharing s...
21/10/2025

New PAT volunteer Bailey and his owner Sharon enjoyed their very first visit this month! 🐾 They had the joy of sharing stories with a new group of Year 7 students 📚

Our Pets As Therapy dogs visit schools to support literacy, boost concentration, encourage communication, and provide emotional comfort — making every visit a special one 💛

A visit from a PAT Dog can brighten even the coldest winter days. In care homes across the UK, our four-legged friends b...
20/10/2025

A visit from a PAT Dog can brighten even the coldest winter days. In care homes across the UK, our four-legged friends bring comfort, companionship, and joy to residents, reminding us that a wagging tail and a gentle cuddle can make all the difference.

For eight years, Sandra has been sharing smiles as a Pets As Therapy volunteer with her beautiful dog, Poppy.Sandra reca...
18/10/2025

For eight years, Sandra has been sharing smiles as a Pets As Therapy volunteer with her beautiful dog, Poppy.

Sandra recalls one visit to a hospital where a young child was scared before an operation.

“They’d tensed up, so I placed Poppy carefully on the child’s bed, with a little blanket for her to lie on. As the child focused on Poppy, she relaxed and allowed the surgeon to give the injection. The parents couldn’t believe how Poppy had turned everything around — it was such a wonderful feeling.”

Moments like these remind us how powerful the human–animal bond can be 💛

More of our brilliant PAT volunteers rocking their new uniform 🤩
17/10/2025

More of our brilliant PAT volunteers rocking their new uniform 🤩

PAT dog Harry had a nasty accident and nearly severed his pad off requiring multiple stitches but nothing can stop him 🐾...
15/10/2025

PAT dog Harry had a nasty accident and nearly severed his pad off requiring multiple stitches but nothing can stop him 🐾 Harry still turned up to his local hospital to make the Macmillan coffee morning extra special 🐶

A hospital stay can feel overwhelming – long days, unfamiliar surroundings, and time away from loved ones. That’s where ...
14/10/2025

A hospital stay can feel overwhelming – long days, unfamiliar surroundings, and time away from loved ones. That’s where PAT Dogs like Luna make such a difference.

For some, a visit from a PAT Dog is the highlight of their week – a moment of normality, joy and connection that supports both emotional and physical wellbeing 💙

Every year, Pets As Therapy volunteers visit hospitals across the UK, helping to lift spirits and support recovery.

👉 Want to help us reach even more patients? Learn how you can get involved here >> https://www.petsastherapy.org/volunteer/volunteer-with-your-dog

PAT dog Bob and his owner Jean attended a prestigious ceremony at The Eden Project where they won NHS Cornwall Volunteer...
13/10/2025

PAT dog Bob and his owner Jean attended a prestigious ceremony at The Eden Project where they won NHS Cornwall Volunteer of the Year 🐾 How great does he look in his bow tie?

“The visits to my mum in her final days brought her such comfort and peace.” 🥹 This is just one of the many touching mes...
12/10/2025

“The visits to my mum in her final days brought her such comfort and peace.” 🥹 This is just one of the many touching messages Pets As Therapy volunteer Maggie and her dog, William, have received during their visits to St Oswald’s Hospice.

What feedback have you had as a PAT volunteer? 💛

Address

Hampden House, Monument Business Park, Warpsgrove Lane
Chalgrove
OX447RW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9am - 3:30pm

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