Virtual Pet Therapy for Care Homes

Simple logo with a yellow sun and a dog outline, with the text "Care Activity"

Technology that cares

“The MR animal therapy solution V-Thera… is highly beneficial in reducing stress, promoting emotional stability and enhancing motivation. By combining elements of physical movement and gaming, it contributes to alleviation of fatigue, depressive mood and anxiety, while also supporting the maintenance and improvement of muscle strength and joint mobility.”

Hiroyuki Nishida, PHd, Dean, School of Health Sciences, IUHW; Director, Department of Rehabilitation Technology, Narita Hospital

V-Thera digital pet therapy is designed for use in senior care facilities. 

It allows residents to interact with a virtual dog or cat in a full and engaging way, and the gentle activity promotes smiles and spontaneous communication to bring energy and engagement to care home life.

The intuitive interface is designed for use by older adults with cognitive decline and for ease of set up by caregivers.

Virtual Pets, Real Benefits

Older woman with gray hair wearing a virtual reality headset.

  • Fun, involving and engaging

  • Encourages movement, reminiscence and communication

  • Relaxes, stimulates, enhances positive mood

For Residents

A caregiver and an elderly woman in a wheelchair using a virtual reality headset in a living room.

  • Easy to accommodate into the life of the home

  • Quick setup designed for simplicity

  • Improves care, reduces burden on staff

For Care Staff

A woman in business attire is trying on a virtual reality headset while a man in a grey polo shirt is pointing at it, in a well-lit room with plants and artwork in the background.

For Business

  • Adds to the care offering of your home

  • Backed by research showing potential of technology

  • Helps meet CQC standards for tech implementation

Mixed Reality - Reassuring Familiarity

Mixed Reality (MR) allows the user to see the real world through the headset, but with the virtual pet superimposed. It offers the reassurance of familiarity without the confusion or dizziness often associated with VR

  • Engineered to be simple to set up and use, even for older people with dementia

  • Select one of four dogs or switch to a cat at the push of a button within the app

  • The dog can be named to increase the emotional connection

  • Pets are always ready to play - run, fetch, feed, sit, lie down, roll over on command

  • Controlled by voice, hand gestures or in-game button

  • VR experience not necessary

Easy to Experience

A dog biting a tennis ball that is being held by a person's hand.