Robotic pets for care homes and dementia care

Robotic therapy pets can provide person-centred support for calm moments, recognition and conversation in care homes. The choice should always start with the individual’s experiences and needs.

Gun sitting on the sofa and kissing her robotic dog
Gun at Katthammarsvik care home. Photo: Anna Björkegren.

Person-centred use on the ward

A robotic therapy pet works best when staff introduce it gently and follow the individual’s response.

A calm presence

A soft, responsive product can become a reassuring activity without pressure to perform.

Recognition and conversation

A familiar animal can give staff and relatives a natural way to connect.

Part of everyday life

Clear routines for introduction, storage and cleaning make use sustainable.

How to introduce it with reassurance

We are happy to help with training and routines suited to your organisation.

  • Start with the person’s previous relationship with animals and touch.
  • Offer the product without forcing contact.
  • Document what creates interest, calm or withdrawal.
  • Agree who is responsible for cleaning, charging and storage.

Frequently asked questions for care homes

Support for a confident choice and a gentle introduction.

How do we choose the right therapy pet for a care home?

Consider the person’s previous relationship with animals, sensitivity to sound and movement, and how the product will be used. Responses are individual and should be followed up.

How do you introduce a robotic therapy pet?

Offer the product calmly and without demands. Let the person show interest at their own pace and document what creates connection, calm or withdrawal.

How do we handle cleaning between users?

Always follow the care advice for the specific model. Agree who is responsible for cleaning, charging and storage before the product is first used.

Would you like to try it on one ward?

Tell us about the people and environment involved, and we will suggest a suitable selection and approach.