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A wagging tail, a gentle nudge, and a few moments of connection can make all the difference for someone facing illness, stress, or isolation.

Recent hospital experiences have highlighted the remarkable impact therapy dogs can have on patient wellbeing. At Austin Health, in Victoria, a therapy dog visit to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) helped create a moment of calm and comfort for a patient and family member during an incredibly challenging time. Staff reported seeing stress levels ease, smiles return, and meaningful connections form across patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Evidence continues to demonstrate the value of therapy dog programs in healthcare settings. Research has shown that interactions with therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety, stress, perceived pain and loneliness, while creating meaningful moments of comfort and connection for patients and families. Studies in intensive care units have found that therapy dog visits can provide immediate emotional benefits and help humanise what can otherwise be a highly clinical environment. (Sources: Therapy dogs help reduce pain and anxiety in intensive care, Canberra Hospital study finds and Therapy Dogs at the Bedside: A Scoping Review
of Pet Therapy in Adult Intensive Care Units

While therapy dogs often capture the spotlight, it is the dedicated volunteers behind these programs who make every visit possible. From training and assessment to ongoing support and coordination, volunteers contribute countless hours to ensuring therapy dog teams can safely and effectively support people in hospitals, aged care homes, schools, community services, and other settings.

Pet therapy programs demonstrate the unique value that volunteers bring to communities. As seen in healthcare settings, volunteers often provide something that complements professional care: companionship, reassurance, and human connection. Their contribution helps create positive experiences that can improve quality of life and support emotional wellbeing for those facing difficult circumstances.

This important role of volunteer-led pet therapy will be in focus at the Palliative Care Volunteer Managers Conference this October, where Nepean Therapy Dogs will be presenting on the impact of therapy dog programs and the volunteer teams who deliver them. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of animal-assisted support, the recruitment and management of therapy dog volunteers, and the growing recognition of pet therapy as a valuable complement to health and community services.

Read the inspiring story at Austin Health by clicking here: A paw-sitive first for ICU: Pet Therapy brings comfort to critically ill patients