Statements for Students

Thank you for taking an interest in the work we do in relation to Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) here at HugglePetsCIC. 

Our therapists here at HugglePetsCIC have expressed that they have noticed the difference themselves between sessions with and without an animal present. They stated that they observe clients build a trusting relationship faster when there is an animal present in session and this leads to more progression during sessions as clients are more comfortable to share with the therapist. - Project Manager, Hannah Dixon 

Questions and Answers from University Students 

1. What services do we provide and what animals are used in session?

We provide a range of services including animal assisted therapy with our qualified therapists on a one-to-one basis with an animal in setting, as well as group interventions which utilise various activities to cover topics such as low mood and anxiety, confidence and self-esteem, healthy relationships and grief and bereavement. We also deliver emotion coaching programmes which support children with identifying and labelling their emotions as well as introducing techniques for emotion regulation. In addition to this, we hold regular Wellbeing Workshops based in our sensory activity centre which support understanding of anxiety, confidence and self-esteem through bushtucker trials and mindfulness arts-based activities such as pebble painting.

To support pupils with SEND and complex needs, we also deliver animal-assisted wellbeing sessions to support identifying emotions, self-care techniques and confidence, with sensory activities and soft-play equipment in our activity centre. We also host regular Tea with a Twist events in which members of the community can join us for a tea and coffee morning with some of our animals, reducing isolation within our local community. Community events also extend to SEN Play and Animal Handling sessions as well as Craft Clubs for children.  

All our programmes and events include the chance to meet a wide variety of animals including furry animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and reptiles such as tortoises, geckos, bearded dragons as well as invertebrate animals like stick insects and African land snails. We also have Murphy the Therapy Dog who enjoys painting and playing fetch!

2. How do we adhere to animal welfare standards and ensure they are comfortable during therapy sessions?

At HugglePets we hold an Animal Welfare Licence with the Local Authority, hold appropriate insurances and follow the Animal Welfare Act to practice utilisation of animals as part of our programmes such as animal-assisted therapy and conduct wellbeing sessions with our animals. All our animals are given weekly health checks to ensure they are well enough to be in session, and staff are required to complete regular observation forms to ensure animals are comfortable and healthy when being handled. Animals are transported safely to local schools/organisations with staff in travel crates with the use of correct shelters, food, water and heat mats if required. Only animals that are deemed well enough to be used by our animal experts will be used in session to always ensure their comfort and safety.

3. What qualifications or training is required to be an animal therapist?

To become an animal-assisted therapist, you are required to complete a level 4 or level 5 Diploma for Counselling, and an additional animal-assisted therapy training course to ensure you are equipped with the appropriate skills to work with animals and be mindful of their needs within a therapy setting.

4. What is our sponsor a fish tank program – how do fish tanks assist in therapy? 

We have several fish tanks at HugglePets that are available to sponsor in support of programmes as we are a non for profit organisation. We use the Community Aquarium and Pond and Wildlife Centre in our therapeutic programmes. Fish tanks provide a vibrant sensory experience for individuals to explore the various sights and sounds of aquatic animals, supporting the regulation of emotions through reducing anxiety and stress. Our aquarium and pond area are utilised in many of our programmes to reduce anxiety and promote positive wellbeing and is accessible for the community to visit. There is even opportunity to feed the fish in our both areas, promoting confidence when caring for animals.

5. What is our biggest achievement?

Within the last 5 years we are proud to have supported over 12,000 members of our community with their mental health and wellbeing! In 2021, we were also visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during mental health awareness week to explore the sensory activity centre and meet the children attending our intervention programmes which support children’s social, emotional and mental health. They really enjoyed their time with the children and the animals, and even told us that the Chameleon was Prince George’s favourite!

6. How does having an animal in session impact attendance to therapy sessions?

Having an animal in setting can promote attendance to sessions as it provides service users the unique opportunity to engage with unfamiliar animals. It also allows for sessions to be tailored to individual interests and can provide a sense of calmness when handling the animals, which as a result increases social interaction and engagement with a therapist/SEND wellbeing lead. All of our sessions are person-centred and allow individuals the opportunity to either look, touch or hold our animals, promoting a secure, trusting environment for our service users to be in

7. How do animals support engagement in therapy services?

Providing individuals the opportunity to interact with an animal during therapy can support rapport building with therapists and act as a window for interaction to promote engagement within session. Animals can provide a motivational aspect to attend and engage in sessions and can drive conversations around positive behaviours and healthy relationships.