Welcome Poppy

Henry Kendall High School’s

P.A.T (Pets as therapy) Dog

POPPY

PAT

PAT dogs may provide comfort, companionship and emotional support to individuals and those attending or residing in facilities whom experience behavioural, emotional and mental health conditions, physical disabilities, or isolation caused by age or illness.

Our PAT dog is a residential PAT

The primary role of a PAT dog for a residential facility is to provide companionship and emotional support on a broader scale to appropriate facilities such as schools, nursing homes, psychologists, counsellors and rehabilitation clinics. PAT dogs placed in residential programs have also been assessed as suitable to be in and around busy environments and are matched with their specific role in mind. 

PAT dogs placed in facilities require a Primary Carer who will take the dog home with them after their day ‘at work’.

PAT dogs are placed with clients in the capacity of a companion animal and therefore do NOT have public access rights. Although PAT dogs are matched to clients based on a carefully considered criteria, PAT dogs are not trained in behaviours to specifically assist with alleviating or mitigating a client’s health concerns and therefore are not considered an Assistance Animal.

What are the benefits of a PAT dog?

PAT dogs can improve quality of life by reducing anxiety, increasing physical activity, a sense of community and well- being, encouraging routine and commitment, and of course providing non-judgemental and unwavering friendship. Interaction with therapy dogs has been scientifically proven to lower heart rate, increase speech and memory function and heighten mental clarity.

PAT dogs are trained in basic obedience, have great home manners, are reliable on lead and are exposed to mobility equipment and other stimulus where necessary. And they are just plain gorgeous!