The Power of Pets in Care Homes

There’s something undeniably special about the presence of animals. A wagging tail or the soft purr of a kitten can lift spirits, ease anxiety, and bring a sense of calm—often in ways words alone cannot. In care home settings, pets can offer more than just companionship; they can make a meaningful difference to a Resident’s wellbeing.

Boosting Mood and Reducing Stress

Scientific studies have shown that spending time with animals can help reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels, while increasing serotonin—the “feel-good” chemical in our brains. In a care home environment, these moments of calm and joy can play a valuable role in supporting mental health.

Lambs visiting the Residents

Resident with baby chick

Resident with a snake

Social Interaction and Shared Joy

Pets create natural opportunities for conversation. Whether it’s reminiscing about a beloved childhood pet or simply watching an animal play, these interactions help to spark connections between Residents, staff and visitors alike. It can be a lovely way to reduce social isolation and build community.

A kitten visits the home

Animal-Assisted Activities at BBCH

At BBCH, we regularly welcome therapy animals into our home. From the gentle kittens and lambs brought by Petpals Therapy to visits from our friendly therapy dog Brigette, these special encounters are always a highlight for our Residents. We’ve also had more unusual guests—including giant snails and snakes—thanks to the educational visits from ZooLab!

Brigette the PAT dog

Each session is more than just a visit. It’s an experience—carefully considered to match the needs and preferences of our Residents. Whether it’s cuddling a guinea pig or marvelling at a corn snake, the joy and curiosity that follow are clear to see.

The Little Things That Matter

In the quiet company of animals, Residents are often reminded of past pets, cherished routines, and meaningful moments. These visits may seem small, but their impact can be long-lasting—bringing comfort, purpose, and even laughter to the day.

At BBCH, we believe in caring for the whole person—not just their care needs but their emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing too. The companionship of animals is one of the many ways we enrich life at our home.

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