Animal-Assisted Therapy and Visiting Pets in Senior Residences

Last updated: June 16, 2026

A dog resting its head on someone's lap, a purring cat, a rabbit to pet: for many seniors, contact with an animal brings out smiles and memories. That is the idea behind animal-assisted therapy (also called pet therapy or zootherapy) and visiting-pet programs, increasingly common in Québec senior residences.

This page explains, in plain language, what animal-assisted therapy is, how it differs from keeping your own pet, its real benefits for mood and social connection, how a session unfolds, and what to ask when visiting a Montréal residence. The goal: to help you judge whether this kind of activity matters for your loved one and to choose a setting that truly offers it.

What animal-assisted therapy actually is

Animal-assisted therapy is a structured activity in which an animal — most often a dog, sometimes a cat, a rabbit or even small farm animals — serves as a bridge toward a well-being goal. It isn't only "playing with a dog": a facilitator guides the encounter with a clear intention, such as soothing, stimulating or getting someone moving.

It helps to tell apart several things often confused:

• Facilitated animal-assisted therapy: a trained therapist or facilitator leads sessions with a goal (reducing anxiety, encouraging speech, stimulating memory or movement).
• Visiting pets: volunteers come with a sociable, screened animal simply to offer a moment of presence and comfort.
• A personal pet: this is something else entirely — it means keeping your own pet in the residence, which follows other rules and responsibilities.

In every case, the animal is not medical care: it is a warm, human complement to the residence's services, not a replacement for health follow-up.

Why it does seniors good

Contact with an animal brings benefits many families notice for themselves during visits. They mainly touch mood, social connection and motivation — precious dimensions when aging in a residence.

• Breaking loneliness: an animal does not judge and invites tenderness. For someone who feels alone, this contact can be a highlight of the week; our pages on loneliness and depression and isolation explain why this bond matters so much.
• Easing anxiety: petting a calm animal relaxes and brings someone back to the present — helpful for an anxious person. See also our page on anxiety disorders.
• Reawakening memory and speech: an animal often stirs memories (a childhood dog, a farm), getting usually quiet people talking. This is valuable in supporting forms of dementia.
• Encouraging movement: throwing a ball, brushing a dog or walking alongside one gives a pleasant reason to move.
• Building connection: the animal becomes a topic of conversation among residents, fostering contact.

These benefits are real but vary from one person to the next: not everyone likes animals, and that is perfectly fine. Animal-assisted therapy is an option, never an obligation.

How a session unfolds

An animal-assisted therapy activity or a visiting-pet session usually follows a reassuring structure, designed for everyone's comfort and safety. Knowing how it works helps you know what to look for.

• A prepared, screened animal: participating animals are usually chosen for their calm temperament, used to contact and to being around seniors.
• A facilitator present: they guide the encounter, adjust the pace to each person and make sure no one is rushed.
• Varied formats: a one-on-one session at the bedside of a less mobile person, or a group activity in the lounge with several residents.
• Respecting the choice: the animal is never imposed; a person may simply watch, or not take part.
• Hygiene: washing hands after contact is a simple, routine precaution.

Frequency varies a lot from one residence to another — from a regular slot on the activity calendar to a rarer program. That is exactly what is worth checking rather than assuming.

Safety, allergies and precautions

To keep the experience pleasant, a serious residence frames the presence of animals. A few points deserve your attention, especially if your loved one has health vulnerabilities.

• Allergies and asthma: report any known allergy. Activities take place in common areas and remain optional, but it is good to mention this.
• Fears and bad experiences: some people fear dogs. A good facilitator respects that discomfort without pushing.
• Fragile skin: for someone with fragile skin, contact is done gently to avoid scratches.
• Hygiene and infections: handwashing along with clean, vaccinated animals reduce risks.
• Supervision: an animal is never left alone with a group; the facilitator keeps control of the encounter.

If your loved one lives with a particular condition, raise it with the residence and, if needed, with the CLSC or family doctor to make sure the activity suits them.

What to ask when visiting a Montréal residence

Animal-assisted therapy isn't offered everywhere, and where it is, it takes very different forms. To avoid vague promises, ask concrete questions during your visit and look at the actual activity calendar.

• What form does it take? Facilitated therapy with a professional, volunteer visits with a pet, or a resident "mascot" animal living in the residence?
• How often? Once a week, once a month, or only occasionally? Ask to see the calendar for the past few weeks.
• Is it included? Is the activity part of the regular program, or an added-cost service?
• For whom? Can less mobile residents or those living with dementia take part, including in their room?
• What about personal pets? If your loved one is attached to their own companion, that question is more about the pet policy.

Beyond animals, the richness of leisure and activities says a lot about how much a residence cares about well-being. A Résidences Montréal advisor knows the Montréal settings with a lively social life and can, free of charge, point you toward those that match your loved one's tastes — including their love of animals.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between animal-assisted therapy and keeping your own pet in a residence?

Animal-assisted therapy is a facilitated activity where a professional uses an animal to support well-being, without the senior having to care for the animal. Keeping your own pet is something else: it falls under the residence's pet policy and involves daily responsibilities. The two can coexist but meet different needs.

Is animal-assisted therapy good for someone with dementia?

Often, yes. Contact with an animal can soothe, reawaken memories and encourage speech in a person living with dementia. The activity should always be gentle, supervised, optional and adapted to the person. It complements support without replacing medical follow-up.

What if my loved one has allergies or is afraid of animals?

Animal-assisted therapy and visiting pets are always optional. Report any allergy or fear to the residence: activities take place in common areas and no one is required to take part. A good facilitator respects a person's discomfort without pushing.

Do all senior residences offer animal-assisted therapy?

No. Animal-assisted therapy and visiting-pet programs vary widely from one residence to another, in both form and frequency. During your visit, ask what form the activity takes, how often it happens and whether it is included, rather than assuming.