Creating smiles, one pat at a time.

Community Pets is here to change your day for the better through meaningful animal assisted activities.

What we do

Community Pets is a volunteer programme that shares well-trained, friendly pets with people across our communities. We visit a wide range of settings, including aged care facilities, hospitals, mental health and disability support services, schools, and other organisations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, bringing aroha, comfort, and joy through the unique bond between people and animals. We also attend one-off events that promote connection and enhance the emotional wellbeing of our communities.

Pet visits can increase physical, social, emotional and cognitive wellbeing.

Volunteer with us

We are always looking for new people to join our team of volunteers.

Get a visit from us

We'd love to bring our volunteers to your facility!

Support us

Community Pets is a volunteer run charity and any support is greatly appreciated.

Why we do it

Animal-assisted activities generate a range of social benefits that support the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people in our communities.

Most notably, pet visits often “light up” residents, patients, and students, creating an immediate boost in mood. Research also suggests that interacting with animals can lead to significant positive physical changes, such as a lower heart rate and increased endorphin levels (the body’s “feel-good” hormones).

Cognitive Abilities
In aged care facilities, cognitive abilities can improve, and residents who talk very little have been known to regularly remember the visiting pet’s name, and to enjoy reminiscing about pets they have owned in the past. Whanau have relayed that their family member has told them about the pets visiting and how much they are enjoying it.
Dogs in Schools
The involvement of dogs in schools has shown to contribute to improving reading skills in primary school age children, as well as building confidence and self-esteem. Dogs are non-judgemental, and very good listeners!
Safety
For tamariki who are going through a particularly stressful time at school or at home, time with our dogs can reduce anxiety and provide moments of safety and relaxation.
Confidence Boost
For tamariki with special needs or who are neurodiverse, petting, grooming and interacting with our dogs can help to boost confidence and social skills, as well as improve attention spans and focus.

Testimonials

School

“The reading dogs are great in helping to build confidence through 1:1 attention and feelings of success, fostering enjoyment of reading and general enjoyment of school.”

Rest home

"One of the most meaningful interactions I witnessed was when one of our residents, who is typically very quiet and reserved, lit up upon meeting a therapy dog. The resident immediately started petting the dog, and you could see a visible shift in their mood. They started to talk to the dog as if it was an old friend, sharing stories from their own life with pets. The experience seemed to bring back joyful memories and created a beautiful moment of connection. These visits not only bring comfort but often spark conversations, helping residents feel more relaxed, open, and engaged."

Hospital

"Patients tend to put their struggles aside once they are interacting with the dog. This helps in friendly conversation with the pet and most of the time lightening the emotional stress during the visit."

Community Pets Blog Coming Soon...

Every Person
Deserves To Feel
Supported

Thank you to our supporters!