Welcome to TheraPaws Wellbeing Services C.I.C
Experience the healing power of animal companionship in a safe environment.
Transform Your Wellbeing with Us
Discover our upcoming services and initiatives for enhanced support.
About Us
Caerphilly -based Animal Assisted Wellbeing
Welcome to TheraPaws Wellbeing! Established in 2026, we are a community interest company based in Caerphilly, South Wales, dedicated to providing structured, safeguarding-led animal-assisted activities. Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals through the unique bond that exists between humans and animals. Our highly trained team is passionate about bringing emotional support and joy to those in need. Whether you are seeking companionship, emotional support, or simply a joyful experience, we are here to serve you. Our activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the positive effects of animal-assisted interactions.
In addition to our existing services, we are excited to announce the launch of our Grief and Support division in late 2026. This initiative will offer tailored support for those navigating the complexities of grief, complemented by the comforting presence of emotional support animals. Furthermore, we are in the process of establishing our Wellbeing Safe Hub in Caerphilly. This hub will serve as a central location where individuals can engage in a variety of wellbeing initiatives, fostering a nurturing environment for personal growth and recovery. At TheraPaws Wellbeing, we believe in the transformative power of connection with animals, and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Why Choose Us?
Supporting Wellbeing Through Nature, Connection and Companionship
At TheraPaws Wellbeing Services CIC, we believe that wellbeing flourishes when people feel connected to nature, to animals, to their community and to one another.
We provide preventative, non-clinical wellbeing support through our Wellbeing Hub, Community Wellbeing Garden, outdoor wellbeing programmes and wellbeing support dogs. Our aim is to create welcoming and inclusive spaces where people can build confidence, develop meaningful social connections and improve their overall wellbeing.
Whether you are looking for companionship, support following a bereavement, opportunities to spend time in nature, or simply a friendly place to connect with others, TheraPaws is here to help.
What We Do
🏡 Wellbeing Hub
A welcoming community space offering wellbeing activities, social groups, creative sessions, relaxation opportunities, one-to-one wellbeing support and grief support.
🌿 TheraPaws in Nature
Outdoor wellbeing activities designed to help people reconnect with nature, improve wellbeing and build social connections through shared experiences.
🌼 Community Wellbeing Garden
An inclusive outdoor space where people can enjoy gardening, wildlife, sensory planting, food growing and the many wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors.
🐾 Walkies & Talkies
Gentle wellbeing walks with our wellbeing support dogs, providing opportunities for social connection, conversation and time in nature.
❤️ Human and Pet Loss Support
Compassionate support for individuals experiencing bereavement, including our Rainbow Bridge remembrance project and Letters to Heaven remembrance activities.
🏫 Outreach Services
Tailored wellbeing activities delivered within schools, care homes, community groups, youth organisations and third-sector settings.
Meet Our Wellbeing Support Dogs
Our wellbeing support dogs are at the heart of many of our activities and help create calm, welcoming and engaging environments.
Through positive interactions with our dogs, participants often experience increased confidence, reduced feelings of loneliness and a greater sense of connection.
Why Choose TheraPaws?
✓ Community Interest Company (CIC)
✓ Enhanced DBS Checked Staff and Volunteers
✓ Designated Safeguarding Lead
✓ Trained in Canine Behaviour and Communication
✓ Canine First Aid Trained
✓ Fully Insured
✓ Robust Safeguarding and Governance Procedures
✓ Inclusive and Accessible Approach
✓ Strong Community Partnerships
Who We Support
Our services may benefit people experiencing:
Loneliness and social isolation
Bereavement and loss
Stress and anxiety
Reduced confidence
Life transitions and change
Reduced opportunities for social connection
A desire to improve wellbeing through nature and community engagement
We welcome self-referrals and professional referrals.
Get Involved
Whether you would like to attend an activity, volunteer, partner with us or make a referral, we would love to hear from you.
Together, we are creating opportunities for people, animals and communities to thrive.
Supporting wellbeing through nature, connection and companionship.
Research and Evidence
The Science behind why we do what we do.
Research and Evidence
The Benefits of Nature and Animal-Assisted Activities
At TheraPaws Wellbeing Services CIC, our approach is informed by a growing body of research demonstrating the positive impact that nature connection and animal-assisted activities can have on wellbeing.
While our services are non-clinical and are not intended to replace professional healthcare or therapy, evidence suggests that meaningful engagement with nature, animals and supportive communities can contribute positively to emotional, social and psychological wellbeing.
Nature and Wellbeing
Research has shown that spending time in natural environments may help to:
Reduce stress and mental fatigue
Improve mood and emotional wellbeing
Encourage physical activity
Increase feelings of calm and relaxation
Promote social connection
Enhance resilience and coping abilities
Foster a sense of belonging and purpose
Studies have also found that access to green spaces and regular contact with nature can support overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Animal-Assisted Activities
Animal-assisted activities involve structured interactions between people and animals with the aim of promoting wellbeing, engagement and social connection.
Research suggests that positive interactions with animals may:
Help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation
Encourage social interaction and conversation
Increase motivation and engagement
Support emotional comfort and companionship
Promote relaxation and positive emotions
Enhance confidence and self-esteem
Many participants report that animals provide a non-judgemental presence that helps them feel more comfortable and connected.
The Importance of Community Connection
Evidence consistently highlights the importance of social connection for health and wellbeing.
Developing meaningful relationships, feeling part of a community and participating in shared activities can contribute to improved wellbeing and resilience.
Our programmes are designed to bring together the benefits of:
🐾 Animal companionship
🌿 Nature connection
🤝 Social connection
💚 Community belonging
Through this combined approach, we aim to create opportunities for people to improve their wellbeing in supportive and welcoming environments.
Our Commitment
TheraPaws Wellbeing Services CIC is committed to delivering safe, ethical and evidence-informed activities that place equal importance on participant wellbeing, community benefit and animal welfare.
We continue to engage with emerging research and best practice to ensure our programmes remain effective, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our community.
References
Haslam, S. A., Jetten, J., Cruwys, T., Dingle, G., & Haslam, C. (2018). The New Psychology of Health: Unlocking the Social Cure.
Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., de Vries, S., & Frumkin, H. (2014). Nature and health.
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature.
Ulrich, R. S. (1983). Aesthetic and affective response to natural environments.
Fine, A. H. (Ed.). (2019). Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions.
"Our approach is informed by established theories including Attention Restoration Theory, Stress Recovery Theory and research into the importance of social connection and community belonging for wellbeing."