At Innovate Care Group, we understand that care is about more than just clinical support—it’s about wellbeing, companionship, and quality of life. Recently, we celebrated 8th August, International Cat Day, and 26th August is National Dog Day, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to highlight the invaluable role that animals play in supporting our clients.
Whether formally recognised therapy animals or cherished client pets, animals provide comfort, motivation, and emotional support, making a real difference in day-to-day life.
Our Approach to Animal Support
We believe that incorporating animals into care should be safe, thoughtful, and personalised. That’s why we build animal support directly into our care planning, recruitment and training strategies:
- Risk-assessed care: Every client’s environment and needs are carefully assessed to ensure the presence of an animal is safe and beneficial. This includes considering allergies, behaviours, and routines to maintain both client and animal wellbeing.
- Preparation of care professionals: All care staff are informed in advance about any animals involved in a client’s care and their preferences are discussed during the recruitment and selection process. For some clients, care professionals that are not only experienced in complex care, but are also animal lovers is incredibly important, ensuring a positive and comfortable experience for both client and animal.
Formal Therapy Animals and Client Pets
Some of the animals we work with are formally trained therapy animals, visiting clients to support emotional and psychological wellbeing. Others are cherished family pets, offering companionship and familiarity in the home. Both types of animals play a vital role in enhancing a client’s quality of life. At Innovate Care Group, we respect the role these animals play and integrate them safely into care planning.
Benefits for Clients
Animals, whether therapy-trained or pets, can bring a host of benefits:
- Emotional wellbeing: Reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
- Motivation and engagement: Encouraging participation in daily routines or therapy sessions.
- Social interaction: Helping clients feel more connected to care professionals, family, and the wider community.
A Holistic, Compassionate Approach
At Innovate Care Group, our goal is to provide care that is holistic and person-centred. Animals are part of that approach, helping clients feel happier, calmer, and more supported. By integrating animals safely and thoughtfully, we create an environment where clients thrive, care professionals enjoy their work, and families have reassurance that every aspect of care has been considered.
Final Thoughts
In celebration of International Cat Day and National Dog Day, we wanted to shine a light on the profound difference animals can make in complex care. Whether it’s a formally recognised therapy animal or a much-loved client pet, animals are partners in wellbeing. At Innovate Care Group, we ensure that this support is safe, planned, and personalised. From risk assessments to careful matching, we provide care that is professional, compassionate, and truly centred on the client—making every day a little brighter for both clients and their furry friends.
Contact us today to learn more about our mission to transform complex healthcare.
