At Happy Tails Petting Club, our impact is measured through the real, meaningful changes we see in the individuals we support. Through structured animal-assisted wellbeing sessions, we create safe, calm environments where children, adults, and communities can build confidence, regulate emotions, and develop positive connections. By combining guided interaction with animals and a personalised approach, we support improvements in emotional wellbeing, communication, and engagement over time. Feedback from participants, families, and organisations consistently highlights increased feelings of calm, safety, and self-expression — demonstrating the powerful role that animal interaction can play in supporting mental and emotional wellbeing
 

Emotional Wellbeing & Communication Programme 

Our Emotional Wellbeing & Communication Programme is a structured, goal-focused programme designed to support children and young people (up to 25) in developing emotional awareness, confidence, and communication skills. Through guided animal-assisted wellbeing sessions, we create a calm and supportive environment where individuals can better understand and express their emotions, build positive relationships, and improve their ability to engage in learning and everyday activities. Tailored to each individual, the programme supports those with SEN/SEND, anxiety, autism, ADHD, or challenges with emotional regulation and social interaction. Delivered over 6–8 weeks in schools, alternative provision, community settings, or at home, sessions focus on emotional literacy, confidence, communication, and independence, with activities adapted in real time to meet each individual’s needs. Our animals, including our therapy dog, rabbits, tortoise, and parrot, play a key role in supporting engagement and creating a safe space for development. Where appropriate, sessions can align with school wellbeing goals and individual support plans, helping to support meaningful progress over time.
 

School Engagement & Transition Programme

Our School Engagement & Transition Programme is designed to support children and young people aged 8–18 who are struggling with school attendance, including those experiencing EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) or transitioning between educational settings. Using structured animal-assisted wellbeing sessions, we help build confidence, emotional resilience and communication skills to support a successful return to or transition within education. The programme combines emotional wellbeing support with gradual, supported exposure to learning environments, helping young people feel safe, engaged and ready to re-enter structured settings. Delivered over a minimum of 12 weeks, sessions are tailored to each individual and adapted to their pace, with ongoing review to ensure effective progress. Our animals, including our therapy dog, rabbits, tortoise and parrot, play a key role in creating a calm and motivating environment that encourages trust, engagement and positive behaviour, helping young people rebuild confidence and re-engage with education over time.

Animal Assisted Wellbeing Sessions

Our Animal Assisted Wellbeing Sessions (1:1 Support) are designed for individuals aged 11 and above, offering a calm, confidential space to explore emotions, build confidence, and develop self-awareness. Delivered as one-to-one sessions, this approach combines guided conversation with animal interaction to support reflection, emotional regulation, and the development of trust in a safe and supportive environment. These sessions are person-centred and adapted to the individual, allowing them to engage at their own pace while building confidence, communication skills, and emotional resilience. Our animals, including our therapy dog, rabbits, tortoise and parrot, play a key role in creating a relaxed and non-judgemental space, helping individuals feel more comfortable, open, and supported throughout the process.

Adult Wellbeing & Community Connection Programme

Our Adult Wellbeing & Community Connection Programme is a 6-week group programme designed for adults aged 25 and over, supporting mental wellbeing, confidence, communication, and social connection. Through structured animal-assisted wellbeing sessions, participants gradually build skills in a supportive and relaxed environment, starting with small group sessions that focus on building trust, confidence, and understanding animal behaviour and interaction. As the programme progresses, sessions move into outdoor and community settings, helping participants develop confidence in public spaces, improve communication skills, and engage more comfortably with others. By combining guided activities with interaction with our animals, including our therapy dog, rabbits, tortoise and parrot, the programme provides a gentle and manageable pathway back into community engagement, helping individuals feel more connected, confident, and supported over time.

Adult Wellbeing & Community Connection Programme

Our Animal Care, Life Skills & Work Readiness Programme is designed for young people aged 13–25, supporting personal development, confidence, and preparation for future education or employment. Through structured animal-assisted wellbeing sessions, participants develop practical life skills alongside communication, emotional awareness, and independence. The programme provides an engaging alternative learning experience, helping young people build confidence and re-engage with structured activities while exploring interests and potential career pathways. Sessions include a mix of hands-on tasks and guided activities such as caring for animals, planning and organising activities, presenting ideas, and working collaboratively, all of which support the development of responsibility, problem-solving, and communication skills. By combining animal interaction with real-world skill-building, the programme helps young people gain confidence, explore future opportunities, and take positive steps towards further education, training, or employment.

Academic Support & Engagement Programme

Our Academic Support & Engagement Programme combines core learning support in literacy and numeracy with structured animal-assisted wellbeing sessions to improve engagement, confidence, and readiness to learn. Designed for children and young people from Key Stage 1 through to GCSE level, the programme supports those who may be struggling in traditional learning environments, including individuals with SEN, those experiencing EBSA, on reduced timetables, or transitioning between provisions. Sessions focus on building key academic skills alongside emotional wellbeing, communication, and confidence, using practical, engaging activities that incorporate interaction with our animals to support focus and motivation. By creating a calm and supportive environment, the programme helps individuals re-engage with learning, build confidence in their abilities, and develop a more positive relationship with education over time.