Pets As Therapy

03/06/2026

Chris from Wiltshire volunteers at both a school and a care home with her Labrador Brock. A dog whose own story is as heartwarming as the visits he makes.

Brock was raised by Chris as a Guide Dog puppy before returning to them as a pet due to mild hip dysplasia. But his breeding and training left them with something remarkable: a beautifully natured dog with a natural gift for connecting with people and Chris knew that gift was worth sharing.

Whether sitting with elderly residents reliving happy memories or spending time with children who need a moment of calm, Chris believes PAT visits offer something simple but invaluable — a chance to put life's worries to one side, just for a little while.

Now retired, Chris says volunteering has been a lifeline for her own wellbeing too, giving her the joy of getting out and engaging with the world. A reminder that the gift of a PAT visit is never one-sided. Thank you, Chris and Brock! 🐾

02/06/2026

Meet Linzi from Lancashire, and her Sussex Spaniel Riggs — better known as Dr Riggs during his weekly visits to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Chorley Hospital.

Dr Riggs is a great stress reliever for staff, boosting morale and giving the team something to look forward to each week. On the wards, he has a quiet kind of power. Linzi describes walking into a bay of six patients, none speaking to each other, and watching them come together the moment they see Riggs. By the time they leave, patients who arrived lost in their own anxious worlds are chatting to one another.

Linzi's journey to PAT is deeply personal. After her own cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2023–2024, it was Riggs who stayed close when anxiety crept in. In 2025 she decided to share that gift with others and says it's one of the best decisions she's ever made.

Now a Volunteer Area Coordinator too, she supports others starting their own PAT journeys and says those two hours visiting each week are 'such a tonic.' We think Dr Riggs would agree. Thank you, Linzi and Riggs! 🐾

01/06/2026

This week is Volunteers Week, a time to celebrate the remarkable people who give their time to make a difference in the lives of others. Here at Pets As Therapy, we have over 6,000 volunteers across the UK visiting hospitals, schools, care homes and more, and all this week we'll be sharing the stories of just a few of them.

First up is Neil Palmer from Birmingham, who visits hospitals and care homes with his miniature schnauzer Stanley. One visit perfectly captures why they do what they do. A little girl at a children's hospital was scared of dogs, but within minutes she was walking over to meet Stan, and before long she was stroking him. Her mum was overwhelmed and rushed to get pictures for dad. A moment nobody in that room will forget.

Neil is also a PAT Volunteer Coordinator, helping connect more establishments with volunteers and their pets because for Neil, spreading that magic as far as possible is the most rewarding part of all. Thank you, Neil and Stan! 🐾

31/05/2026

A HUGE thank you to every incredible person who took part in our Walk This May challenge!

Together, you've raised an amazing amount of money but beyond that, you've helped shine a light on PAT's mission to bring joy and comfort to those who need it most.

A special thank you to our wonderful event sponsors YuMOVE UK we couldn't have done it without you! 💛

29/05/2026

Let's cheer on Bramble and Natasha who are completing the Great North Swim next month for Pets as Therapy!

Bramble is a 4 year old Golden Retriever, and the GOODEST BOY around. In his spare time he volunteers as a therapy dog for PAT, and spreads golden joy wherever he goes. Although she is not nearly as proficient a swimmer as Bramble, Natasha (Bramble’s assistant) will be swimming the Great North Swim to raise money for PAT.

If you'd like to donate even a small amount you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/natasha-minashi-1

28/05/2026

Simba brought so much joy to the residents at Bamfield Lodge Care Home 🩵

There’s something truly magical about the way a dog moves through a care home. It’s more than just a visit; it’s a total shift in energy. For many, a stroke of soft fur or a gentle nuzzle brings back beautiful memories of their own lifelong pets.

Scientific studies show that spending time with animals lowers blood pressure and releases "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin. You can actually feel the room relax!

​Simba is the ultimate social butterfly. He gives everyone something to talk about, laugh at, and bond over. Dogs don't care about age or mobility; they just want to offer affection. That kind of pure, non-judgmental companionship is priceless.

26/05/2026

Here are our top tips to keep your pets cool in hot weather ☀️ Remember, all establishments would sooner see a healthy, happy pet rather than one that is struggling.

If it is too hot to walk your pet at the time of your visit, it may still be safe to attend if you can keep your pet cool whilst travelling in the car. Ensure the establishment has a cool environment, as visiting in a hot environment can be exhausting and stressful for your pet.

26/05/2026

26/05/2026

10 years later… 🩵

When Jessop was adopted he had already had 7 previous owners and was a scared, untrained handful. Nobody could have predicted what he would become. Today he has made around 10,000 connections with people in care homes, universities, mental health settings and even a prison. His speciality? Melting the hearts of elderly ladies living with dementia.

He may have a few grey hairs and the odd creak in his joints these days, but he's still out there doing his thing and loving every minute of it.

25/05/2026

Tummy rubs always bring out Benson's biggest smile 🥰🐾

Show us your happiest PAT pics 📸