Therapy Pets is an animal-assisted therapy to promote emotional wellbeing in hospitals and rest homes. Please refer to the questions and answers below for any questions you may have.

What is the Hato Hone St John Therapy Pets Programme?

The Therapy Pets Programme is a community-based initiative where volunteers and their pets visit rest homes, hospitals, rehabilitation units, assisted living homes, and community locations. The visits aim to bring comfort to residents and patients through the human/animal bond, promoting emotional wellbeing. 

What types of animals are involved in the programme?

While the majority of pets involved in the programme are dogs, select locations feature  donkeys, and miniature horses. These animals are carefully selected to help bring comfort to patients and residents. 

Where is the Hato Hone St John Therapy Pets Programme available?

The programme is currently operating in multiple locations across New Zealand, including: 

  • Alexandra 

  • Aoraki District 

  • Auckland District 

  • Christchurch 

  • Counties 

  • Cromwell 

  • Dunedin 

  • Greymouth/Hokitika 

  • Gore 

  • Hawkes Bay 

  • Hutt Valley 

  • Invercargill 

  • Kerikeri 

  • Marlborough 

  • Nelson Bays 

  • North Canterbury 

  • North Shore 

  • Oamaru 

  • Palmerston North 

  • Queenstown 

  • Rodney District 

  • Selwyn District 

  • South Otago 

  • Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) 

  • Thames 

  • Wānaka 

  • Wellington/Kāpiti Coast 

  • Whangārei 

What is the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) programme

The READ programme is offered within local primary schools across New Zealand. It helps tamariki (children) who may feel anxious about reading aloud by allowing them to practice reading to a therapy pet. This interaction helps reduce anxiety and encourages children to engage with their learning. 

How do I get involved in the Therapy Pets Programme

If you are interested in participating as a volunteer, you can submit an expression of interest via our online form or contact the Therapy Pet team via email at TherapyPets@stjohn.org.nz for more information on how to get started. 

I want the service to be delivered where I work. How do I contact Therapy Pets?

To submit an expression of interest, you can email the Therapy Pet Team at TherapyPets@stjohn.org.nz. Someone from our Community Care team will be in touch to talk through the process. 

Most Trusted Charity