Throughout history animals have provided companionship to mankind. This relationship is being promoted in Western Australia with the exciting concept of pets providing therapy.

Accredited Animal Companions teams, comprising of a human volunteer and their animal companion, visit people in nursing homes, hospitals, treatment centres, schools, prisons, and other facilities. They bring smiles and health benefits to all they meet.

Health studies worldwide have demonstrated that animal-assisted activities promote improvement in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive function. Quality of life of those being visited is enhanced through pets providing therapy. The facilities, staff, volunteers and their dogs also benefit from these visits.

Animal Companions Inc is a non-profit organisation established in October 2002 by a dedicated team of volunteers, who’s desire is to share the joy of their pets directly with people in need. Members are animal lovers who come from a variety of backgrounds including human health, teaching, animal health, business and pet training.

There are currently almost 100 accredited teams visiting facilities in both the Perth metropolitan and South West areas. This represents more than 200 hours of visits to approximately 1400 people every month.