Animal Therapy Program
How Animals Help Children with Diabetes
At PPEDS, our animal therapy program is a cornerstone of our approach to helping children with diabetes. Research has shown that interaction with animals can help reduce stress hormones that can adversely affect blood glucose levels. Our specially trained therapy animals provide emotional support, motivation for physical activity, and a unique way to learn important self-care routines that mirror diabetes management.
Our Animal Therapy Team
Our diverse team of therapy animals includes horses, pigs, cats, dogs, chickens, and even peacocks. Each animal plays a specific role in our therapeutic programs:
Horses
Our therapy horses provide physical exercise through riding activities, which helps with blood sugar management. The rhythmic movement of horseback riding has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
Pigs
Highly intelligent and emotionally responsive, our therapy pigs teach children about routine care and schedules, which is essential for diabetes management. Their playful nature also encourages physical activity.
Cats
Our therapy cats help children practice gentle handling and care, similar to the careful approach needed for blood glucose monitoring. Their calming presence is especially beneficial for children experiencing diabetes-related stress.
Dogs
Some of our specially trained dogs can detect changes in blood sugar levels through scent. All our therapy dogs provide unconditional love and companionship, reducing stress and encouraging outdoor physical activity.
Chickens
Caring for chickens teaches responsibility and routine, with daily egg collection being a highlight for many children. This helps reinforce the importance of daily diabetes care routines.
Peacocks
Our peacocks provide a sense of wonder and beauty that helps reduce anxiety. Watching a peacock display its feathers is a mindfulness exercise that helps children focus on the present moment rather than diabetes-related worries.
Program Benefits
- Reduced stress and anxiety, which helps with glucose management
- Increased physical activity through animal care and play
- Better emotional regulation and coping skills
- Enhanced sense of responsibility and routine
- Improved social skills and peer interactions
- Greater confidence in managing diabetes care
- Comfort during medical procedures or hospital stays
Join Our Animal Therapy Sessions
We offer both group and individual animal therapy sessions for children with diabetes. All therapy sessions are supervised by trained handlers and healthcare professionals who understand both animal behavior and diabetes management.
How to Participate
Our animal therapy sessions are available to children ages 4-18 with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Parents or guardians must be present during the sessions, and we can accommodate special needs with advance notice.
Contact Us to ScheduleNote: All animals in our therapy program receive regular veterinary care, are up-to-date on vaccinations, and are specially trained for interaction with children. Safety is our top priority in all animal therapy sessions.