Calm, choice-led support through positive human–animal interaction

Animal-assisted wellbeing activities use the gentle presence of carefully assessed dogs to support emotional wellbeing, engagement, and connection. These sessions are not therapy — they are structured, safeguarding-led wellbeing activities designed to create calm, reduce isolation, and encourage positive interaction.

Sessions are always:

• Choice-led — individuals decide if and how they engage

• Safeguarding-focused — clear boundaries, consent, and risk management

• Welfare-first — the dog’s wellbeing is actively monitored at all times

The presence of a calm, friendly dog can:

• Encourage engagement where words feel difficult

• Support emotional regulation and grounding

• Reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety

• Create moments of connection and enjoyment

Animal-assisted wellbeing activities are particularly valued in:

• Care homes

• SEN / ALN and education settings

• Community and third-sector organisations

Each session is adapted to the needs of the setting and the people involved, always operating within clear non-clinical boundaries.

Compassionate, non-clinical support through loss, change and transition

Grief is a natural response to loss — whether that loss is of a person, a beloved pet, or a significant life change. Yet many people experience grief quietly, without access to supportive spaces where their feelings are acknowledged and understood.

The TheraPaws Grief & Loss Support Hub provides grief-informed, non-clinical wellbeing support for individuals and small groups experiencing:

• Human bereavement

• Pet loss

• Anticipatory grief

• Life transitions and change

Support is educational and reflective, focusing on:

• Normalising grief responses

• Providing emotional space and understanding

• Supporting coping and adjustment

• Reducing isolation during times of loss

Where appropriate, calm animal presence may be included as a source of comfort — always optional and never expected.

Importantly, the Grief & Loss Support Hub does not provide counselling, psychotherapy, diagnosis, or mental health treatment. Clear safeguarding and referral pathways are in place to ensure individuals can access specialist or clinical support when needed.