Animal Assisted Interventions

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) is a structured and purposeful approach that incorporates trained animals into therapeutic, educational, or recreational activities to improve human health and wellbeing. Unlike casual pet interactions, AAI programs are carefully planned, supervised, and evaluated according to evidence-based standards. These evidence-based programs are widely used in hospitals, aged care facilities, mental health services, schools, and corporate settings to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, combat loneliness, and support emotional regulation.

Research consistently shows that positive interactions with therapy animals can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, lower blood pressure and heart rate, decrease feelings of loneliness, and increase the release of oxytocin (the “feel-good” bonding hormone). In clinical settings, AAI has been shown to reduce anxiety in hospital patients, improve mood and social engagement in aged care residents, support emotional regulation for people experiencing trauma or crisis, and enhance workplace wellbeing by reducing stress and burnout.

Meet Luna – our certified Therapy Dog:

Luna is an amazing 2-year-old German Shepherd Dog with excellent obedience, stable behaviour, and a natural ability to connect with people. She is a certified Therapy Dog, having successfully completed formal training and assessment, including comprehensive temperament testing, obedience training and public access evaluation. German Shepherd Dogs are known for their intelligence and loyalty, and Luna exemplifies the best qualities of the breed — she is steady, affectionate, and highly responsive to her handler. With her gentle and intuitive nature, Luna is exceptionally well-suited for this work. Her soft demeanour and approach make her particularly effective at connecting with people who may be anxious, withdrawn, or experiencing difficult circumstances. She remains comfortable and consistently calm even in busy or emotionally charged environments.

As Luna’s handler and partner, I have undertaken professional training in Animal Assisted Interventions. Together, we form a cohesive team that prioritises the safety and comfort of every person we visit.

How we can help:

We offer therapy dog visits for a wide range of organisations and settings, including:

  • Aged Care and Nursing Homes: Regular visits to bring joy, reduce isolation, and stimulate meaningful social interaction for residents.
  • Hospitals and Palliative Care: Support for patients and their families, helping to ease anxiety before procedures, during long hospital stays, rehabilitation or in end-of-life care.
  • Emergency Services and Support Staff: We can participate in debriefing and wellness sessions for police, paramedics, firefighters, and healthcare workers who regularly face high-stress and traumatic situations.
  • Corporate and Workplace Wellness Programs: Stress-reduction sessions, team-building activities, and mental health support initiatives that help employees feel more relaxed and connected.
  • Schools and Community Organisations: Support for students, teachers, and community members, particularly those dealing with anxiety, social difficulties, emotional or behavioural challenges.

Every visit is customised to meet the specific needs of the organisation and the individuals involved. We work closely with facility staff, Work Health and Safety (WHS) teams, and management to ensure all visits comply with strict health, safety, and hygiene protocols. Prior to any engagement, we conduct thorough risk assessments and obtain informed consent from participants.

Luna and I are committed to delivering professional, ethical, and compassionate Animal Assisted Interventions. We understand the profound impact that a calm, friendly therapy dog can have on someone’s mental and emotional state — whether it’s a gentle pat, a wagging tail, a game of fetch or simply a quiet presence that says “you are not alone.” Whether you require regular weekly visits or a one-off session, Luna and I would be honoured to support your organisation, residents, patients, staff, or community members in promoting wellbeing and human connection through Animal Assisted Interventions. Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss how we can assist you.