How to Arrange a Therapy Dog Visit for an Aged Care Facility
A straightforward guide from first enquiry to Kate and Murphy walking through the door.
1. Start with a conversation
Lifestyle Coordinators and Managers, wellbeing staff, facility managers, nurses, clinical staff, activity teams and other aged care professionals are all welcome to make the initial enquiry.
Tell us where you are, who the visit is for, whether you're considering an individual or group format, and what you would like residents to get from the experience. You do not need every detail worked out first.
2. Meet first, if you’d like to
Golden Bond can arrange an introductory visit with Kate and Murphy before regular visits begin.
It is a chance to meet, discuss resident needs, look at suitable spaces, ask questions about documentation and make sure Golden Bond feels like a good fit for your residents and team. There is no expectation that an introductory visit must lead to an ongoing booking.
3. Choose the right format
Visits are generally 30 minutes to one hour and can be one-to-one or suitable small groups. Kate works with the facility to choose a format that is comfortable for residents and for Murphy.
One-off visits are welcome, and recurring visits can be arranged weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
4. Quote, documentation and planning
Pricing is individually quoted based on location, duration, format and visit requirements. A 50% deposit secures the booking, and package pricing may be available for recurring visits.
Golden Bond can provide Kate's relevant checks and qualifications, Murphy's certifications and veterinary information, informed-consent documentation and insurance documentation where required. Golden Bond is fully insured.
5. Kate and Murphy visit
There is no rigid script. The session may involve gentle interaction, reminiscence, treats supplied by Kate, shared conversation or quiet companionship.
Flexibility matters. If a resident — or Murphy — has had enough, the interaction changes or finishes. The visit needs to work for everyone involved.
Keep exploring.
Download Referrer & Facility Information
Read more →Therapy Dogs & Dementia
Read more →Aged Care Visits
Read more →Want to talk it through?
Interested but not ready to book? Ask Kate about an introductory visit — a simple way to meet, discuss your residents’ needs and see whether Golden Bond feels like the right fit.