Therapy dogs to combat loneliness

Kiwoko, a provider specialising in the holistic care of various types of pets in Spain and Portugal, has launched ‘Momentos Senior’ at the Amavir care home in Colmenar Viejo (Madrid). This is the new branch of its ‘Momentos by Kiwoko’ programme, which will bring animal-assisted interventions involving dogs to care homes for the elderly across various regions of Spain. This initiative aims to promote the transformative power of the human–animal bond in order to alleviate unwanted loneliness and enhance the emotional wellbeing, communication and social participation of older people.

The launch event for this new phase, sponsored by NATH and organised in collaboration with Yaracan, enabled residents to interact with therapy dogs through a range of activities tailored to their abilities, needs and interests. The session was led by specialist professionals and coordinated with the Amavir team…