- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Animal-Assisted Activities in Sainte-Thérèse
(children, teens & adults)
Group activities for children, teens, adults, day camps, community organizations and seniors’ residences
At Clinique Rayons et Réadapt, we offer recreational, educational, social and sensory activities involving an animal.
These activities provide a motivating and reassuring environment that can support enjoyment, participation, communication, emotional regulation, social skills and self-confidence.
Activities can also be adapted for autistic children, teenagers and adults, as well as participants with specific sensory needs.
Services are available in small groups at the Clinic and in various settings, including day camps, schools, daycare centres, community organizations and seniors’ residences.
Demande en 2 minutes — rappel sous 24–48h ouvrables
What Are Animal-Assisted Activities?
Animal-assisted activities use the presence and participation of an animal to create a warm, stimulating and engaging environment.
With guidance from a facilitator, participants may take part in games, sensory activities, cooperative challenges, discussions, creative activities or animal-assisted reading.
Interaction with the animal may support engagement, well-being, communication, emotional expression and social participation.
The services offered are primarily recreational, educational, social and sensory. They are not intended as individual clinical treatment.
A structured, enjoyable activity adapted to the group
Welcome and Introduction
Introduction to the animal, safety guidelines, the activity schedule and the theme of the session.
Animal-Assisted Activities
Games, challenges, reading, sensory exploration, cooperation and interactions adapted to the group’s age and needs.
Reflection and Encouragement
A short discussion recognizing participation, effort, emotions, achievements and learning.
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Our approach is engaging, inclusive and respectful of each participant’s pace. The animal becomes a motivating partner that encourages interaction and participation.
- Activities adapted to the group’s age, abilities and interests;
- A welcoming, safe and supportive environment;
- Respect for each participant’s pace, preferences and boundaries;
- Ongoing respect for the animal’s well-being;
- Activities adapted for autistic participants and individuals with specific sensory needs;
- Opportunities to practise cooperation, mutual support and respect;
- Themes adapted to the setting and the group’s goals.
Skills and Experiences Supported
Recreation and Enjoyment : Discover new activities, enjoy a positive experience with the animal and participate in an engaging and rewarding group activity.
Emotional Regulation : Identify and express emotions, explore simple calming strategies and develop self-regulation skills.
Social Skills : Practise turn-taking, listening, cooperation, sharing, following directions and interacting with others.
Communication : Encourage requests, comments, questions, conversations and the expression of ideas through activities involving the animal.
Self-Confidence : Recognize accomplishments, encourage initiative and provide opportunities to complete appropriate challenges.
Attention and Engagement : Support concentration, motivation and active participation through concrete and stimulating activities.
Sensory Activities and Autism : Activities can be adapted for autistic children, teenagers and adults, as well as participants with specific sensory needs.
In a calm and structured setting, participants may explore sensory experiences involving the animal, including:
- observing;
- touching;
- brushing;
- gentle movements;
- sounds;
- gradual interaction with the animal.
These activities aim to support well-being, engagement, sensory tolerance, self-regulation and participation while respecting each person’s preferences and boundaries.
Small Groups for Children at the Clinic
Group sessions allow children to participate in games, sensory activities and challenges involving the animal in a structured and welcoming environment.
Themes may include:
- emotional regulation;
- social skills;
- cooperation;
- self-confidence;
- communication;
- sensory activities;
- animal-assisted reading.
Practical Information
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Format: group of 5 children
Fee: $45 plus taxes per child
Registration: required
Animal-Assisted Reading
Developing Enjoyment and Confidence in Reading
Animal-assisted reading provides children with a calm, supportive and non-judgmental environment in which to engage with books.
The child may:
- read a story to the animal;
- show the animal pictures from a book;
- answer questions;
- retell a story;
- participate in vocabulary and storytelling games.
The main goals are to encourage enjoyment of reading, motivation, confidence, attention and participation.
Activities for Organizations and Community Settings
We can organize animal-assisted activities directly in a variety of settings:
- day camps;
- seniors’ residences;
- schools;
- daycare centres;
- community organizations;
- recreation groups;
- special events;
- themed activities.
The content is adapted to the participants’ ages, group size, abilities, setting and requested goals.
Activities may include:
- cooperative games;
- sensory activities;
- emotional awareness and expression;
- communication and discussion;
- social skills;
- animal-assisted reading;
- creative activities;
- relaxation;
- gradual interaction with the animal.
