Supporting Pets As Therapy in Cumbria
At Millcroft Vets, we’re proud to have supported the Pets As Therapy (PAT) charity for over 20 years. It’s a cause close to our hearts, helping animals and their owners make a positive difference in people’s lives through therapeutic visits to care homes, schools, and hospitals across Cumbria.
Our team offers free Pets As Therapy assessments for clients registered with Millcroft, helping ensure pets are well-suited for their new roles in the community.
What Is Pets As Therapy?
Pets As Therapy is a UK charity that connects friendly, well-behaved animals with people who may benefit from the comfort and companionship that pets provide. From helping children improve their reading confidence to brightening the day of care home residents, PAT volunteers and their pets play an important role in the emotional wellbeing of others.
To learn more about the charity, visit the official Pets As Therapy website.
How Assessments Work
PAT assessments at Millcroft are carried out by our qualified assessors Siobhan and Claire. We focus on assessing dogs and other suitable pets who are already registered with Millcroft, and who have shown the right temperament and social skills for therapy work.
Assessments take place at our Aspatria branch on Friday mornings and are entirely free of charge.
To be eligible, owners must first:
- Apply through the Pets As Therapy website
- Complete a DBS check
- Provide references
- Ensure their pet meets the charity’s behavioural and health requirements
Ready to Get Started?
If you believe your pet would make a great PAT companion and you're a Millcroft client, we’d love to support you. Start by visiting www.petsastherapy.org to read the full application process. Once you’ve completed the initial steps, Pets As Therapy will direct you to one of our assessors to arrange your pet’s assessment.
For any local questions, feel free to get in touch with our Aspatria team, we’re here to help.
