Pets and Picasso CIC

How we can help you 

We offer personalised, tailored one to one sessions for anyone who feels that they need support, engaging in Animal Assisted Therapy and Art Assisted Wellbeing.

Group Sessions

We have developed a range of support groups offering individuals the space to meet and chat with other people in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Sensory Room Hire

We have a sensory room to hire for individuals that would benefit from developing their senses, self-regulation, emotions and engagement.

Outreach

We offer Animal and Art Assisted Therapy and Wellbeing visits to residential care homes, health care providers, community groups and schools.

Drop In/Open Days

We offer a welcoming space for individuals from the local community to drop in and spend time with the animals or engaging in art and craft related activities.

Corporate Wellbeing

We offer a range of team building and wellbeing services for organisations and businesses within Plymouth and the surrounding areas. We recognise the importance of prioritising both physical and mental health and wellbeing within the workplace.

Retail

We have a retail space offering a range of items promoting both physical and mental health.

Book an appointment

Book and appointment

Animal Assisted Therapies

At Pets and Picasso CIC there are a variety of services available allowing individuals to work with our animals to help improve both their physical and mental health. Animal Assisted Therapy can be known by a variety of different terms including pet therapy, animal assisted activities and animal assisted interventions. Animal Assisted Therapy is considered a complementary or alternative therapy and can be used in collaboration with more traditional methods to support individuals.

Animal Assisted Therapy is aimed at helping people cope with a huge variety of conditions such as depression, dementia and PTSD. When someone is in need or facing challenges, animals can help provide comfort, reassurance, companionship and support free from any prejudice or judgement.

There can be vast differences in what type of animal therapy someone might receive, based on their own individual needs and requirements, the type of animal they are interacting with and the activities included within the session.

Companion Animals and Therapy dogs

Therapy dogs and horses are the most commonly known types of animals that are involved in Animal Assisted Therapy. However, all animals have the potential to provide emotional support and comfort to people in various settings such as schools, hospitals, military veterans and nursing homes. At Pets and Picasso CIC we work with a range of small furries and reptiles alongside dogs to help improve mental health conditions, levels of physical activity and encourage social interactions.

One of the primary benefits of companion and therapy animals is their ability to enhance the lives of those they interact with. For example, therapy dogs or other animals can work with children who are learning to read, helping to make the experience less stressful, increase self awareness and have a positive effect and influence on the overall learning experience. Additionally, therapy animals can visit individuals in assisted living facilities, providing companionship and emotional support to those who may feel isolated or alone.

It's important to note that therapy dogs and animals are distinct from service dogs. For example, a service dog is trained to provide specific assistance to people with disabilities, such as guiding individuals who are visually impaired or detecting seizures in those with epilepsy. While therapy dogs and animals have some training, their primary role is to provide things such as emotional support, help boost self esteem, improve social skills and provide comfort to others.

At Pets and Picasso CIC we work together as a team with our animals to help improve the lives of people that visit our centre and engage in our outreach visits providing invaluable support and companionship to those who may need it most.

Mental health and Animal Assisted Interventions

An example of the benefits of group Animal Assisted Therapy for individuals with dementia

In getting a group of individuals together it encourages communication and discussion. Interacting with the animal helps promote simple discussions and encourages conversations about previous experiences they might have had with them and is great for memory recall. It will also encourage mobility and fine motor skills through holding the animals, brushing, feeding and interacting with them. For many individuals with dementia the sense of touch is vital. Animals are amazing for 'touch' related experiences. Not everyone is comfortable being touched by other people, especially as dementia progresses. Animals are a 'neutral' territory which presents no pressure or threat to the individual, helping to build self confidence.

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