When someone is living with dementia, their world can begin to feel smaller, less predictable, and harder to navigate. While medical care and personalised support are essential, there is increasing recognition that wellbeing also depends on connection, comfort, and stimulation. One powerful source of this is animal therapy.
Visiting animals and pet therapy for dementia care is becoming more common in dementia care settings, and for good reason. Whether it’s a regular visit from a therapy dog or the gentle presence of a cat curled up in a care home lounge, animals have a unique ability to calm, engage and uplift. For people with dementia, these interactions can provide meaningful moments of joy and peace.
Why Animal Companionship Matters
Many people have fond memories of pets throughout their lives. Reconnecting with animals in later years, particularly for those living with dementia, can evoke powerful emotions. A visit from a dog or rabbit might stir up stories, smiles and a sense of familiarity that is otherwise difficult to access.
Pet therapy for dementia is not just about nostalgia. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even lower blood pressure. For someone who may struggle to communicate, animals offer a non-verbal form of connection that feels natural and unthreatening.
The Impact on Emotional Wellbeing
People with dementia often experience feelings of isolation, especially if they have difficulty expressing themselves or engaging with others in traditional ways. A visiting animal offers companionship without judgement. Simply stroking a pet’s fur or feeling its warmth can bring comfort and reduce agitation.
There’s also a sense of purpose that comes from interacting with animals. Holding a lead, brushing a dog’s coat, or feeding a rabbit, can provide an easy, welcome focus, especially for those who once had pets of their own. These small moments can ground someone in the present and offer a positive sensory experience.
Building Connection in Care Homes
In residential care settings, pet therapy for people living with dementia is used in a variety of ways. Some homes have resident pets, while others invite therapy animals to visit regularly. These visits can be tailored to suit the needs of the individual. Some companies even offer ‘petting-zoo’ style services, when animals such as ponies, alpacas and sheep can be brought into the care home providing residents with an exciting and unique experience.
Care staff often observe that residents who are usually withdrawn become more engaged during these interactions. Animals in the home can prompt speech, encourage eye contact, and lead to increased social interactions between residents, staff members and visitors.
Safety and Sensitivity
Not everyone is comfortable around animals, and not all animals are suited to a care home environment. That’s why animal-assisted therapy in dementia care must be delivered with sensitivity and proper planning. Reputable therapy animal providers ensure their animals are well-trained, calm, and safe in a variety of situations.
Care teams work closely with these providers to make sure visits are suitable for residents’ needs. For those who prefer not to interact, there’s always the option to observe from a distance.
More Than Just a Visit
At B&M Care, we recognise the value of sensory experiences and emotional connection in improving quality of life for those living with dementia. Animal therapy is one of the many approaches we use to enhance wellbeing in all of our care homes, with a few homes having pets residing there full time. Many of our homes feature an in-house pet as well, such as St Andrew’s cat, Saint, or the guinea pigs that live at Lakeside, beloved by the residents.
It is clear that the presence of animals brings an unmatched calm and happiness, and for someone living with dementia, these moments matter.
For more information on dementia care, funding options, and financial support, explore our resources or contact B&M Care today.