Engaging with animals can be a powerful tool for emotional healing, personal development, and therapeutic intervention. By incorporating a trauma-informed approach into animal-based activities, we can create safe, supportive, and empowering experiences for individuals who have faced adversity. Below are several activities involving chickens, horses, dogs, cats, sheep, and guinea pigs that align with trauma-sensitive principles.

Chickens

Chickens provide a calming and engaging presence, making them a wonderful addition to trauma-informed programs.

• • Feeding and Care: Children and young people can engage in feeding and collecting eggs, fostering a sense of routine and responsibility.

• • Observations: Watching chickens scratch, peck, and interact can serve as a grounding exercise, promoting relaxation.

• • Gentle Handling: Holding and petting chickens teaches patience and careful interaction, reinforcing self-regulation skills.

Horses: 

Horses are known for their intuitive nature and can help individuals develop emotional awareness, trust, and confidence.

• • Groundwork and Grooming: Brushing and leading horses fosters a sense of control and connection without the pressure of riding.

• • Equine-Assisted Learning: Activities such as obstacle courses and guided walks with horses help build communication, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.

Dogs: 

Dogs are naturally attuned to human emotions, making them excellent partners for trauma-informed interventions.

• • Training and Bonding Exercises: Teaching dogs basic commands or agility tasks can help build self-efficacy and trust.

• • Mindful Walks: Taking slow, intentional walks with a dog encourages relaxation, movement, and presence in the moment. 

Cats: 

Cats offer a soothing presence and can be especially helpful for individuals struggling with anxiety or emotional dysregulation.

• • Quiet Interaction Spaces: Designated areas where children and young people can sit and interact with cats on their own terms.

• • Purring and Sensory Grounding: The vibration of a cat’s purr can have a calming effect, helping individuals regulate their emotions.

Sheep: 

Sheep provide a calm, non-threatening presence, making them ideal for trauma-informed activities.

• • Feeding and Tending: Engaging in daily care routines helps build a sense of purpose and connection to nature.

• • Sheep-Walking Sessions: Leading sheep on gentle walks encourages mindfulness and body awareness.

Guinea Pigs:

Guinea pigs are gentle and responsive, making them excellent for children and young people, who may feel overwhelmed by larger animals.

• • Lap Time and Gentle Handling: Holding and petting guinea pigs encourages calmness and nurturing behaviours.

• • Observation and Care: Watching their social interactions and providing food or fresh bedding instils a sense of responsibility.

• • Themed Play Areas: Creating enrichment spaces for guinea pigs, such as tunnels or obstacle courses, provides opportunities for creativity and engagement.

Trauma-Informed Considerations

To ensure that all activities remain trauma-sensitive, we prioritise the following principles:

• • Choice and Consent: Participants can choose their level of engagement and are never forced to interact with an animal.

• • Predictability and Routine: Providing structured, consistent experiences helps build trust and stability.

• • Empowerment and Voice: Encouraging individuals to express their needs and preferences fosters self-confidence.

• • Sensory Awareness: Offering varied sensory experiences while maintaining awareness of potential triggers ensures a safe environment