HAPPINESS DOGS

The Reading Dogs and Royal Canin UAE collaboration began in August 2021, resulting in the launch of The Happiness Dogs; the first Animal Assisted Activity organization in the UAE. 

Animal Assisted activities are those run alongside educational or therapeutic sessions to provide reassurance and support. The use of dogs this way is still very much developing in the gulf region but the response has been overwhelmingly positive. 

The Happiness Dogs have now completed pilot programs in five centers including Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in addition to educational and respite centers. 

The dogs have helped in a traditional classroom setting as well as in speech, physical therapy and counselling sessions. 

We now hold group and individual sessions every term in The Developing Child Centre and Jad’s Inclusion and work monthly alongside Sunshine Learning Difficulties Center to offer sessions to their community. 

Royal Canin UAE assist with financial support, marketing materials, veterinary volunteers to accompany the dogs in the sessions and awareness through social media and local radio.