Pet Therapy & Social Skills Programs

Animals are a wonderful addition to everyone’s life. The documented benefits of interaction with animals are physical, mental, and emotional. The simple act of holding an animal can relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, and even decrease surgical patients’ healing time.

Pawsitively Pets can bring our animals to you for wellness days, mental health awareness events, and other animal therapy visits, or you can sign up your child for our pet therapy programs at our site with our registered social worker/psychotherapist – covered by most benefit packages.

SENIORS PET THERAPY VISITS: Our pets also love visiting seniors! Pets and the elderly have a lot to give each other. Pawsitively Pets provides residents with the opportunity to have one-on-one loving hands-on time with our animals. The animals are presented in baskets or trays to allow for easy access for petting and to protect laps from contact with the animals’ nails. Programs start with a 45-minute or 1-hour visit and can be customized to each individual facility’s requirements. Seniors’ home visits are highly discounted, beginning at 20% off, and additional discounts are available for regular bookings scheduled weekly, monthly, or every other month. Contact us for Seniors Home Pet Therapy visits!

Pawsitive Connections – Group Social Skills Programs for Children

Building confidence, connection and emotional skills—with a little help from our animal friends.

Pawsitive Connections is a small-group pet therapy program designed to provide children with a safe, supportive and engaging space to build social-emotional skills, develop meaningful connections and grow their confidence.

Led by a Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist, children work in small groups of approximately 6–8 participants, combining guided therapeutic activities with hands-on interaction with our animal team.

Through their connection with the animals and one another, children will have opportunities to work on:

Building social skills and positive peer relationships
Making connections and feeling more comfortable in group settings
Understanding, identifying and expressing emotions
Developing strategies for emotional regulation
Learning tools to help manage anxiety, worries and stressful situations
Building self-esteem and confidence
Practising communication, cooperation and problem-solving skills
Developing resilience and positive coping strategies

Animals can provide a unique source of comfort, motivation and connection for children. Their non-judgmental presence can help create a relaxed environment where children feel more comfortable participating, communicating and exploring their feelings.

Pawsitive Connections takes place at our Leaside (Midtown Toronto) location and combines professional therapeutic support with the engaging, hands-on animal experiences Pawsitively Pets is known for.

A Safe Place to Connect, Grow & Build Confidence

As children navigate school, friendships and everyday challenges, Pawsitive Connections provides a consistent and supportive space to practise important social and emotional skills while developing strategies they can carry into their daily lives.

Extended Health Benefits: Sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through many extended health-care benefit plans. The program therapist is a Registered Social Worker (MSW) and Psychotherapist. Families are encouraged to confirm coverage directly with their individual insurance provider.

Fall Session: Pawsitive Connections: open to children ages 6-9. Tuesday, October 6 to Tuesday, November 24 – 5:45pm – 6:45pm – 8 week program – $400

Looking for mental health and wellness day programs for your office or school? Contact us!