Activity ideas: Pets and other animals

Animals can be an important part of our lives, though how we maintain contact with them may need to adapt as dementia progresses.

Many people with dementia continue to keep a pet, though they may begin to need support with walks, feeding and other care. The Cinnamon Trust can help, as well as arranging temporary or long-term care for the pet. 

Websites such as BorrowMyDoggy.com or ShareYourPet.co.uk can help to find nearby animals.

The person may enjoy time with a friend’s or relative’s pet, with support if needed, or websites such as BorrowMyDoggy.com or ShareYourPet.co.uk can help to find nearby animals. They could like a visit to a city farm, petting zoo or petting farm.

A soft and ‘breathing’ Precious Petzzz simulated cat or dog might also be comforting for some people (available from our online shop). 

Reminiscing about previous pets can be pleasurable, perhaps looking through old photos or films, or images of similar animals found online or in books. 

Some video games and apps, playable on various devices, feature animal characters or ‘virtual pets’.

Favourite animals may appear on TV or in films, cartoons or books. A dog fan might enjoy Lassie episodes, Beethoven films or Marmaduke comic strips, or either reading or listening to a novel like The call of the wild.

Some video games and apps, playable on various devices, feature animal characters or ‘virtual pets’. More traditional jigsaw puzzles with animal pictures can also provide hours of meaningful activity.