Require children's homes to allow therapeutic animals
The Issue
I am a 16-year-old currently living in care in the UK, and for as long as I can remember, my journey with mental health has been a challenging one. However, I've discovered a source of comfort and healing that has made a profound difference in my life: animals. The unconditional love and companionship of animals have helped me cope with the toughest times, providing a therapeutic effect that I believe every child in residential care homes should have access to.
Residential care is meant to be a place where children who cannot live with their families can find support, growth, and healing. For many, like myself, conventional therapy isn't enough. Being in care can often feel isolating, and having an animal like a dog can fill that loneliness with warmth and joy. Animals, be it dogs, cats, or other companions, have proven therapeutic benefits. According to studies by the University of York and the University of Lincoln, animal-assisted therapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels, soothe stress, and reduce anxiety in children and teenagers.
This petition calls for the UK government and the Department for Education to mandate that all children's residential care homes support the inclusion of animals for therapeutic support. By doing so, we can help thousands of children across the UK who are in care like me, providing them with a healthier, more supportive environment.
With the proper guidelines and support, care homes can incorporate animal-assisted therapy responsibly, ensuring both the welfare of the animals and the children. This can include regular supervision by trained professionals, ensuring the animals’ health and wellbeing, and educating children about empathy and responsibility towards animals.
Helping children in care should be our priority, and by allowing animals into their lives, we can offer comfort and healing in ways traditional methods may not. Together, we can make a difference. Sign this petition to help implement a change that could transform the lives of children in care across the UK. Let's give every child in residential care the chance to feel the love and support of an animal companion. Please sign and share this petition, and let's bring comfort to those who need it most.
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The Issue
I am a 16-year-old currently living in care in the UK, and for as long as I can remember, my journey with mental health has been a challenging one. However, I've discovered a source of comfort and healing that has made a profound difference in my life: animals. The unconditional love and companionship of animals have helped me cope with the toughest times, providing a therapeutic effect that I believe every child in residential care homes should have access to.
Residential care is meant to be a place where children who cannot live with their families can find support, growth, and healing. For many, like myself, conventional therapy isn't enough. Being in care can often feel isolating, and having an animal like a dog can fill that loneliness with warmth and joy. Animals, be it dogs, cats, or other companions, have proven therapeutic benefits. According to studies by the University of York and the University of Lincoln, animal-assisted therapy has been shown to lower cortisol levels, soothe stress, and reduce anxiety in children and teenagers.
This petition calls for the UK government and the Department for Education to mandate that all children's residential care homes support the inclusion of animals for therapeutic support. By doing so, we can help thousands of children across the UK who are in care like me, providing them with a healthier, more supportive environment.
With the proper guidelines and support, care homes can incorporate animal-assisted therapy responsibly, ensuring both the welfare of the animals and the children. This can include regular supervision by trained professionals, ensuring the animals’ health and wellbeing, and educating children about empathy and responsibility towards animals.
Helping children in care should be our priority, and by allowing animals into their lives, we can offer comfort and healing in ways traditional methods may not. Together, we can make a difference. Sign this petition to help implement a change that could transform the lives of children in care across the UK. Let's give every child in residential care the chance to feel the love and support of an animal companion. Please sign and share this petition, and let's bring comfort to those who need it most.
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Petition created on 3 July 2026