A business in Pembrokeshire is continuing to provide a pet therapy service across the county during the pandemic, by offering a life-like robotic companion pooch or cat that can provide comfort and joy to someone who is lonely in the community.

Last month Cariad Pet Therapy CIC based in Haverfordwest were successful in an application for funding from the National Lottery Community Fund in Wales to provide the robotic pets free of charge to those in need.

They have been using their £6,600 grant to provide people with dementia and the elderly population, who are socially isolated as a result of the Covid-19, with automated pet therapy visits.

Robert Thomas, project manager at Cariad Pet Therapy said: “We had seen evidence that robotic pets have a positive impact on our elderly population and people living with dementia, especially those who used to own cats or dogs.

“We have received fantastic feedback from people with dementia, their families and care home staff. One comment was that the robotic pets were the best thing they have used during Covid-19 and that they have helped to bring happiness to the care home.”

With thanks to players of the The National Lottery, Cariad Pet Therapy have been able to place robot companion therapy pets within care homes around the county.

Last week, ITV Wales were on hand to film at Brooklands Nursing Home in Saundersfoot and Kilgetty’s Caldey Grange Care Home to see some of the benefits that the automated pets can bring.

“They are designed as a companion to those living with dementia or other memory challenges,” continued Rob.

“Their aim is to provide comfort and other benefits like an aide to memory recall for times having had pets in the past and the action of stroking and petting them is good for overall well-being.

“They respond to human touch and voice and emit realistic sounds and movements - they even go to sleep! The cat purrs when you stroke it and the dog has a heartbeat when smoothed as well all the other dog actions and sounds. They are quite realistic!

“The National Lottery Community Fund saw our vision and allowed us to provide some comfort, companionship and joy during the Covid pandemic,” he added.

Cariad Pet Therapy are asking for anyone in the community (in their own or family home) that would like one to try and potentially keep to please get in touch.

The automated pets service is free of charge and especially beneficial for people living with dementia, the elderly, the vulnerable, people with learning disabilities and those lonely or socially isolated.

They are also ideal for those who used to have pets but cannot have one anymore.

For more information head to the website: www.cariadpettherapy.co.uk