Animal therapy and engagement are a meaningful and enriching part of life at Active Lives Canada. Across our campuses, participants have the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of animals, from gentle axolotls and colourful angelfish to curious hermit crabs and other small companions that bring comfort and joy into our spaces. These animal connections create calm, routine, and a sense of excitement throughout the day, offering participants a unique way to engage, learn, and feel grounded in a supportive environment.

We also extend these experiences beyond our walls through community outings to farms such as Tulip Hill, where participants take part in therapeutic pony care. Spending time with ponies and other farm animals encourages emotional connection, confidence, and mindfulness. These visits provide a peaceful setting where participants can build trust, practice gentle communication, and experience the healing impact of nature and animal companionship. For many individuals, these moments become some of the most memorable and meaningful parts of their week.

Learning to care for an animal, even in small daily ways, teaches participants that there are living beings in the world who depend on kindness, patience, and responsibility. Feeding, cleaning habitats, observing behaviour, and nurturing an animal fosters empathy and helps individuals understand that life is about connection and caring for others, not just ourselves. Most importantly, it gives participants a deep sense of pride and purpose, knowing they are capable of supporting something meaningful and building bonds that are both therapeutic and empowering.