Therapy dog

A therapy dog has transformed the life of one of our tenants. He was experiencing loneliness and isolation, and it was agreed that having a small housing dog would change his life.

Regional Housing Manager, Lyndsay Russell explains, “The care provider approached us with the suggestion of introducing a therapy dog for one of our tenants. While pets are not common in our properties, we agreed to consider the request on a case-by-case basis, recognising that a companion animal could provide emotional support, a sense of responsibility, and encourage social interaction.

We conducted a thorough risk assessment in collaboration with the care provider, covering all possible scenarios, such as the type and size of the dog, who would be responsible for its care, vaccination status, and training requirements. We consulted with other tenants, their families, and relevant professionals involved in his support network to ensure everyone was comfortable with the proposal and that it would be a positive step forward.

We worked closely with both the tenant and the care provider to ensure all responsibilities were clearly understood. A formal agreement was drawn up, outlining key requirements: the dog must be licensed, vaccinated, microchipped, kept on a lead, trained, and waste must be properly managed. I personally met with the tenant to review the agreement and answer any questions.

We scheduled follow-up visits to check on the tenant’s wellbeing and ensure the dog’s care met the agreed standards. During these visits, we also carried out routine property inspections and maintain regular communication with the care provider.”