Therapy Dogs & Dementia: A Guide for Families and Aged Care Teams
How Kate and Murphy approach dementia visits with flexibility, respect and room for genuine connection.
Every person — and every day — is different
There is no single way a person living with dementia should interact with a therapy dog. Someone may be delighted to see Murphy one week and prefer to watch quietly the next.
Golden Bond visits follow the person in front of us rather than a fixed activity plan. If a resident becomes tired, uncomfortable or simply no longer wishes to engage, we pivot — changing the interaction or wrapping up the session. The same applies if Murphy needs space.
Dogs can open the door to memories
Kate has seen residents reminisce about pets from across their lives — from childhood dogs to much-loved animals they raised with their own families.
There is no pressure to remember anything in particular. Murphy simply provides a natural starting point for stories, memories and conversation.
Sometimes the conversation is about Murphy
Not every interaction is about the past. Residents often become curious about Murphy himself: What does he like doing? Is he ever naughty? What does he do at home?
For some people, the visit involves plenty of talking. For others, a gentle pat or simply watching Murphy nearby is enough.
Consent and comfort still matter
Where a resident cannot provide conventional written consent themselves, Golden Bond asks for consent from their direct family member and works with the facility as appropriate.
Formal consent does not make participation compulsory. We continue to watch the resident's words, behaviour and body language throughout the visit and respect their willingness to participate in the moment.
Individual or group visits?
Both can work. A quieter one-to-one interaction may suit some residents, while others enjoy a small social group. The format is chosen around the people involved, the environment and Murphy's wellbeing — not around filling a standard program.
Keep exploring.
Therapy Dog Visits in Aged Care
Read more →Arrange a Facility Visit
Read more →Aged Care Visits
Read more →Want to talk it through?
Considering a visit for someone living with dementia? Tell Kate a little about the person and setting, and we’ll talk through whether a Golden Bond visit may be suitable.