Imagine walking into a therapy session where one of the first friendly faces to greet your child has four legs and a wagging tail.
For many children, that simple interaction can ease anxiety, spark curiosity and joy, and help create the motivation they might need to really get the most out of their therapy sessions.
At Kites Children’s Therapy, our Dog-Assisted Therapy program combines the expertise of allied health professionals with the unique connection children naturally form with our specially trained therapy dogs, helping them build skills in an engaging and supportive environment.
For many of our clients, seeing that familiar canine face can help turn therapy into the highlight of their week.
Why do Therapy Dogs make such a difference
“Dog-Assisted Therapy helps motivate children to actively engage in the therapy process. The presence of Myrtle, one of our beautiful, gentle Therapy Dogs, creates an enjoyable, non-threatening environment where children can feel safe and supported,” – Kate, Kites Occupational Therapist.
Our Therapy Dogs are highly trained and attuned to the needs of the children they support. They are known to reduce anxiety, help build trust, and make some difficult therapy tasks more enjoyable and therefore more productive.
What Skills Can Children Develop?
- Improved Communication – speech, language and confidence
- Emotional regulation – help managing emotions, resilience and patience
- Social skills – turn taking, empathy and teamwork
- Physical skills – balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills
Can my child benefit from Dog Assisted Therapy?
Children who are anxious in traditional therapy settings may feel more relaxed with a trained therapy dog alongside them.
Those who are reluctant to attend therapy or who need extra motivation may also benefit as will those who are building their confidence and/or working towards physical goals.
Our highly skilled team can assess whether Dog Assisted Therapy might help your child.
Meet Our Therapy Dogs!
Kites Therapy Dogs are trained in partnership with Guide Dogs WA. Our highly accredited trainers ensure every Therapy Dog meets strict training standards, including the right temperament and working style, in order to become a Kites Therapy Dog.
Onyx
Myrtle is friendly, affectionate and gentle – and just loves spending time with children – whether playing together or just enjoying a cuddle, she is happiest in the company of young ones.
Myrtle
Mertyl is friendly, gentle and bouncy and loves spending time with friends and showing off her tricks. She loves being brushed and can’t wait to roll over for a scratch on the tummy.
Hillman
Hillman joined the team in 2023 and has provided a calming presence to hundreds of children since then. He loves nothing more than to show off his tricks and play games to help make sure he creates a fun and welcoming environment.
How can I access Dog Assisted Therapy
Kites accepts referrals from parents, carers, family members, allied health professionals, GPs and other specialists.
To get started with your referral to Kites therapy, you can fill in a simple online referral form. Prefer to speak with our friendly team directly? You can call us on (08) 9311 8222 and we’ll help you get started.
Every child experiences therapy differently. For some, the gentle presence of a therapy dog can be the key to unlocking confidence, connection and progress in ways that traditional therapy alone may not.
At Kites, our Dog-Assisted Therapy program brings together clinical expertise and the extraordinary bond between children and dogs to help young people achieve meaningful therapy goals while enjoying the journey along the way.