Animal-Assisted Therapy in Melbourne — One Handler, One Dog, A Real Bond Every Visit
Golden Bond Therapy brings warm, consistent animal-assisted wellbeing visits to aged care residents, individuals, and schools across Melbourne — delivered every time by the same qualified handler, Kate, and her certified therapy dog, Murphy.
Kate & Murphy
A qualified handler and a certified therapy dog — the same two faces at every single visit.
Kate
Founder & HandlerKate holds a Certificate IV in Mental Health and is currently completing a Diploma of Counselling, bringing a genuine wellbeing-focused approach to every Golden Bond visit.
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Diploma of Counselling (in progress)
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Current National Police Check
- NDIS Worker Screening Check
- Infection Prevention and Control Certificate
Murphy
Certified Therapy DogMurphy is a Golden Retriever known for his calm, gentle nature — the same dog your group or loved one will see at every visit, building a real, familiar connection over time.
- School Wellbeing and Therapy Dog Certification
- Accredited to undertake pet therapy duties in learning facilities, aged care facilities, hospitals, and public arena facilities
- Regular health & temperament checks
Kate and Murphy are currently undergoing further professional training to continue expanding Golden Bond Therapy's qualifications and services.
Services
Structured, gentle animal-assisted visits tailored to each setting.
Aged Care Visits
Regular scheduled visits to residential aged care and retirement living communities — supporting mood, social engagement, and reminiscence.
Wellbeing & Emotional Support Sessions
One-on-one animal-assisted wellbeing sessions for people managing stress, anxiety, or low mood — a warm complement to any existing care.
School & Classroom Visits
Supervised group or individual visits supporting emotional regulation, reading confidence, and social skills in school settings.
Casual & One-Off Bookings
Shorter visits for community events, staff wellbeing days, and open days — a lovely introduction to what Golden Bond offers.
The Golden Bond difference
One dedicated handler and one certified dog — no rotating teams, ever.
A tertiary-qualified handler with a genuine mental health background.
Consistency builds real trust — the same familiar face and paws, visit after visit.
A boutique, personal approach — every client is known, not just a booking.
Proudly visiting across Melbourne
Golden Bond Therapy is based in Melbourne, VIC and travels to aged care facilities, schools, clinics, and private homes across greater Melbourne. Get in touch to check availability in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is animal-assisted therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy is a structured, guided visit where a certified therapy animal and handler support wellbeing, mood, and social connection. At Golden Bond Therapy, every visit is delivered by the same handler, Kate, and certified therapy dog, Murphy.
How much does an animal-assisted therapy visit cost in Melbourne?
Pricing depends on the type of visit (aged care, individual wellbeing session, or school visit) and is competitive with the Melbourne market. Get in touch for a personalised quote.
Is Murphy a certified therapy dog?
Yes. Murphy holds a School Wellbeing and Therapy Dog Certification, accrediting him to undertake pet therapy duties in learning facilities, aged care facilities, hospitals, and public arena facilities.
What areas of Melbourne does Golden Bond Therapy service?
Golden Bond Therapy is based in Melbourne, VIC and travels to aged care facilities, schools, clinics, and private homes across greater Melbourne.
Can Golden Bond Therapy visit schools?
Yes. Golden Bond Therapy offers supervised group and individual school visits supporting emotional regulation, reading confidence, and social skills.
Book a visit or ask a question
Contact details
Phone: 0495 022 299
Email: goldenbondtherapy@gmail.com
Instagram: @goldenbondtherapy
Facebook: Golden Bond Therapy
Location: Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Response time: usually within 1–2 business days.