We are the original & still the only producers training Therapy Goats in the UK.

 

We train many of our goats & sheep to become Therapy Animals. Having worked with our therapy dogs for over 35 years, we decided 10 years ago to train our Pedigree Pygmy Goats to work as Therapy Goats in Animal Assisted Therapy. 

They do not have horns and are smaller than many dogs.  

We know that many people have a fear of dogs and that dogs or are not seen as pets in some cultures. Goats cross all cultures and ages, making them the perfect animal for therapy. They are also highly intelligent and biddable. 

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Our little goats are available to visit Care Homes, Hospitals, Schools, Hospices, Wellness Clinics, Therapy Units and Businesses.​

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• We are fully insured for all educational, well-being & therapy visiting.

• Tanya Sheasby is a qualified Occupational Therapist and has been working with therapy animals for over 35 years. 

 

Evidence​

The value of animal-assisted interventions including animal-assisted therapy is widely acknowledged. Positive effects for humans result from either companion animal ownership, general animal contacts and animal-assisted interventions. Interacting with animals influences social interaction between humans and related factors important in this respect, such as trust, empathy, lowered aggression, and a positive mood. Animals have long been shown to elevate mood, bring joy and help calm people.

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Science behind Animal Therapy.

There is solid evidence that interaction with animals will increase Oxytocin levels (the bonding hormone), increase dopamine levels (a neurotransmitter associated with rewards), stabilise cortisol levels (the stress hormone), decrease blood pressure, and improve PTSD/depression/anxiety in people. In educational and work environments, they can also help workers increase productivity after positive interaction with animals.

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In recent years, the scientific community has brought to light more and more findings concerning the human-animal bond. Many clinicians & therapists are already incorporating Animal Assisted Therapy into their treatment programs as a complementary method.

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The psychological benefits of animal-assisted therapy are well-documented. Interaction with animals has been shown to trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone known for its role in social bonding and stress reduction. Physical contact with animals also prompts the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can create a sense of euphoria and well-being.

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Our goats & sheep see people as a source of attention and love, so they will seek it out. We do not encourage hand feeding. We believe that our animals react better to time and gentle attention, than seeing humans as a food source.

 

It has long been known that animals can bring about an incredible change in mood. Some illnesses have decreased the persons ability to communicate - for example dementia, stroke or a physical or learning disability. Animal assisted therapy can bring about a profound change in the persons well being and can also lead to an increase in verbalisation. This is apparent in all ages of people from children to the elderly. 

Animals offer unconditional attention to people and the difference they can make should not to be underestimated. 

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Therapy Goats can also be used in an educational setting to encourage empathy, compassion and allow absorption of learning. Animals that are present in an educational space can help children with anxiety, autism and to lower barriers, which in turn helps a therapist or educational tutor achieve goals with that child. Research shows that autistic people prefer interactions with animals over humans. This is sometimes referred to as Animal Assisted Therapy.

 

Goat therapy represents a natural and holistic approach to mental health interaction and support. Medical journals suggest that interaction with goats can help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions, enhance mood and promote social interaction. Goat therapy provides a fresh & engaging alternative. However, it is essential to remember that animal assisted therapy should serve to compliment professional mental health services. 

 

Many of our goats are now trained for others to use as therapy animals & our Cameroon sheep are often sold as residential therapy animals.

Many people have fear of dogs - but rarely goats or sheep. 

This could be cultural or through experience. Our goats and sheep do not have horns. This is a point of safety.​

•  Our goats are all trained to be calm, confident and enjoy interaction with people. 

• Pygmy goats are small - ours are particularly small - around 40cm high when fully grown and do not have horns.

• Our younger goats will sit on a lap happily whilst the older goats will stand quietly beside a chair / person to be stroked. 

• They do not bite or cause trouble.

• They have been specially chosen by us for their calm temperament and love of attention and to be given the added training enabling them to become our Therapy Goats. 

• Therapy Goats wear a collar and lead and are used to walking around a building / house. 

• For those not able to have our goats inside - we do offer an outside service where we can also set up a secure area for them to play and be viewed / interacted with. 

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TO BOOK OUR GOATS OR FIND OUT MORE 

please give us a call or email us.

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Read about some of our many special visits here:

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https://whitecaregroup.co.uk/2024/07/17/delightful-reaction-to-therapy-pygmy-goats/

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https://www.chsw.org.uk/news/therapy-pygmy-goats-visit-charlton-farm

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