Canine Play Therapy services in Abbotsford
Infinity Health Abbotsford offers inclusive, clinically guided Canine Play Therapy to support physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing for people of all ages. Led by licensed Occupational Therapists and trained therapy dogs, sessions blend structured play, evidence-based strategies and the healing power of human–animal connection.
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What is Canine Play Therapy?
Canine play therapy is a type of animal-assisted play therapy that involves structured activities with trained therapy dogs. This therapeutic approach is designed to support and improve the physical, cognitive and psychosocial wellbeing of individuals across all age groups.
By integrating playful interaction with a therapy dog into clinical sessions, individuals can experience meaningful improvements in how they move, think, feel and connect with others.
Who can benefit from Canine Play Therapy?
Canine play therapy is inclusive and adaptable. It is suitable for:
- Children, teens, adults and older adults
- Individuals with developmental, mental or physical challenges
- Those experiencing autism spectrum disorder, mental illness, chronic illness or disability
No matter the background or condition, therapy dogs serve as supportive companions to inspire trust, motivation and joy.
Key benefits and the power of play
Physical benefits
- Lowers stress hormones and blood pressure
- Promotes relaxation and reduces pain
- Increases oxytocin levels in both human and dog, strengthening the therapeutic bond
Cognitive benefits
- Stimulates executive functions such as memory, attention and problem-solving
- Enhances dual-tasking and mental flexibility
- Supports neuroplasticity through tailored exercises
Psychosocial benefits
- Provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for self-expression
- Supports social awareness and interpersonal connection
- Builds confidence and communication skills not easily developed in traditional settings
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What happens during a session?
Each session is customized to the individual’s needs and challenges. A typical session may include:
Welcome & review: Brief introduction or recap of the previous session
Overview of activities: Explanation of planned exercises
Interactive play: Engaging with the dog through guided games and tasks
Positive reinforcement: Rewarding the dog during success to build feedback loops
Reflection & wrap-up: Discussing what was learned and experiences
Games and activities may involve puzzle toys, problem-solving exercises or collaborative play, each designed to target specific cognitive, emotional or physical goals.
Our Assessment Approach
There is no formal initial assessment required. However, every session is facilitated by a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) who continuously assesses the participant’s performance and adapts the experience accordingly.
Tailored progress tracking
Exercises are graded to match current abilities
Self-report questionnaires may be used for benchmarking and re-evaluation
Focus is placed on improving participation, confidence and independence over time
Guided by experts
All sessions are led by qualified healthcare professionals trained in:
- Occupational therapy frameworks
- Canine behaviour and safety
- Therapeutic play models
This ensures each experience is not only safe and supportive but clinically grounded to maximize individual growth and healing.
Our trained therapy dogs help heal through the power of human-animal connection
Why choose Infinity Health
Our approach is grounded in research and results, ensuring that every client receives the best possible outcome.
Canada’s only Indigenous-owned national interdisciplinary clinic offering access to healthcare, rehabilitation and rejuvenation all in one place.
Our highly qualified clinicians provide focused, one-on-one care with state-of-the-art equipment and personalized programs.
We make care simple with direct billing options and flexible scheduling so you can focus on recovery, not paperwork.