Facility Dogs
We are delighted to launch this exciting programme, where health professionals are matched with a purpose-trained Facility dog. The programme has been well-established in North America with evidence-based benefits and statistics.
A health professional such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or psychotherapist utilises the facility dog within their practice, as a bridge and support for clients who would benefit from the presence of a trained facility dog.
The CAF dog is taught certain skills to ease anxiety, encourage participation and deepen the trust between therapist and client.
Facility Dogs
Facility dogs are specially trained to work alongside healthcare and allied health professionals in clinical settings. While the presence of any dog can have a positive effect on a therapeutic session, a facility dog enhances these benefits through purposeful interactions, encouraging engagement, increasing motivation, and making challenging or repetitive activities more enjoyable.
Facility dogs can motivate clients to participate in therapy by modelling behaviours and encouraging imitation, helping users engage in tasks they may otherwise be reluctant to attempt.
They also support the achievement of functional therapy goals by promoting physical movement, encouraging speech and language development, and facilitating communication, social interaction, and relationship-building.
In addition, facility dogs contribute to a calmer, more supportive environment by enhancing feelings of safety and wellbeing while reducing stress and anxiety for clients, families, staff, and other visitors.
Facility dogs can also elicit positive social responses when traditional therapeutic approaches are less effective. They help break down barriers, ease awkward or uncomfortable situations, and act as a natural bridge for communication and connection, fostering stronger therapeutic relationships.
Are you ready to commit?
You must prepare yourself for an interview on suitability
Your home and office environment, including all family members, will be assessed for suitability and safety, as the dog will reside with you
Your organisation will be required to pay all upkeep costs, agree to contract terms and understand the dog remains the property of Dogs for the Disabled
You are willing to fully participate in training and testing
The Dog In The Room
Adolescent Therapy & Play Therapy Dogs
This programme sees one of our Facility dogs attending therapy sessions with a young child or an adolescent, and a mental health professional.
Facility dogs can enhance feelings of safety and well-being for young people in trauma therapy and can reduce stress levels among therapists, clients and family members.
Facility dogs can elicit positive social responses when other approaches fail.
Facility dogs can motivate young clients to attend sessions where there may be a reluctance or lack of confidence to do so.
Facility dogs can encourage openness and help to mediate interactions in awkward and uncomfortable therapeutic settings
Facility dogs can help to build trust between client and therapist.
Are you ready to commit?
You must prepare yourself for an interview on suitability
Your home and office environment, including all family members, will be assessed for suitability and safety, as the dog will reside with you
Your organisation will be required to pay all upkeep costs, agree to contract terms and understand the dog remains the property of Dogs for the Disabled
You are willing to fully participate in training and testing
Mercy Hospital Cork
“During Mercy Week, we welcomed Hugo, a Dog from Dogs for the Disabled. He became the first dog to therapeutically visit patients at the hospital. Hugo visited patients on ten wards during his inaugural visit, touching patients and staff alike, and we’re all looking forward to his return visit.”
Hospital & Hospice Visits
This programme sees one of our dogs brought to visit a hospital or hospice facility with their caregiver who may be a member of staff.
Facility dogs on the wards can enhance feelings of relaxation and well-being for patients, visiting family members and staff.
Facility dogs can encourage openness and elicit positive social interactions between patients and staff when there is a reluctance or lack of confidence to do so.
Facility dogs can motivate patients to take small amounts of appropriate exercise around the facility.
Are you ready to commit?
You must prepare yourself for an interview on suitability
Your home and office environment, including all family members, will be assessed for suitability and safety, as the dog will reside with you
Your organisation will be required to pay all upkeep costs, agree to contract terms and understand the dog remains the property of Dogs for the Disabled
You are willing to fully participate in training and testing