ABOUT US

October 2021 interview in Westies & Besties magazine

February 2021 Fire Service magazine article

Cariad Pet Therapy started in September 2018 and to date we have over 40 pet therapy partner teams comprising of an owner(s) and their beloved pet dog. We value highly the need for a responsible dog welfare ethos at all times, All our volunteers are enhanced DBS checked and receive the relevant training and support. We have insurance to cover all visits and activities. 

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We currently visit a wide range of services and establishments including all the hospitals in Hywel Dda, schools across west and south Wales, mental health wards and also Amazon CWL1 facility in Swansea for employee wellbeing visits.

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We are a Community Interest Company registered with Companies House meaning we are 'not for profit.' Any funds or donations raised go into the running and development of Cariad Pet Therapy.

We are affiliate members of Animal Assisted Intervention International. and The Society for Companion Animals.

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We also run a pet food bank in Haverfordwest supporting pet owners experiencing hardship in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. In the first 9 months from January 2021 - September 30th 2021 we have donated 55,066 pet food meals from our pet food bank shop on City Road, Haverfordwest. See our pet food bank website.

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During COVID in 2020 we ran a project funded by The National Lottery to donate 45 robot pets to people within care homes. See the media page to see the filming carried out by ITV Wales and an article on the National Lottery website. We also won a Mental Health & Wellbeing Award for this project.

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In 2022 we are collaborating with Aberystwyth University for delivering training into the Nursing Bsc degree course on 'The Role of Pet Therapy in Recovery and Health Care.' We also collaborate with Apollo Teaching in South Wales for school visits.

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Cariad Pet Therapy, as a disability confident employer, currently providing two supported employment opportunities through access to work at the pet food bank for people with a barrier to work due to a disability or work-limiting health condition.

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The Benefits of Pet Therapy

In the presence of a dog, people relax and calm and their heart rate and blood pressure decreases. Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that stroking an animal can greatly reduce your stress levels? If you spend around 15 minutes petting your favourite cat or dog, your body will release the following natural “feel good” hormones: oxytocin, prolactin and serotonin. It also lowers your cortisol, which is the body’s natural stress hormone. A dog invites contact, interaction and engagement so it enables movement and communication. It is a mood booster!

Cariad Pet Therapy dogs can be used by anyone, young and old. It is beneficial in the following areas to:

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• Anxiety relief

• Lower Stress

• Aide motor skills

• Improve recovery times

• Support with Dementia and Alzheimer's

• Promote communication

• Lower blood pressure

• Enhance relaxation

• Boost mood and lower depression

• Promote socialisation

• Aide self-esteem and self-worth

• Encourage exercise

• Reduce physical pain

• Aide fine motor skills

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