“Hoppy Hour” animal therapy

Involving gentle bunny visits and uplifting companionship at home, Venelle is delighted to introduce “Hoppy Hour” - a new form of animal therapy for our members.

The new experience, launched just in time for Easter, is designed to bring comfort and companionship to older people at home.

Available across London and the surrounding counties, Hoppy Hour combines Venelle’s thoughtful approach to homecare with the calming presence of gentle, handled rabbits.

Each visit is intended to offer a change of pace, encourage conversation and create a moment of enjoyment within the day.

For older people who may be living alone, have limited mobility or want more social interaction, it offers something a little different in a familiar setting.

A different kind of visit

During each session, rabbits are brought into the home for a relaxed visit supported by the Venelle team. Seasonal refreshments, including carrot juice spritzers (for Easter) and other seasonally-inspired drinks, are also served to help make the experience feel special.

And despite the Easter theme, it’s available all year round to Venelle members.

Here at Venelle, we support people living in their homes who either don’t want to or aren’t ready for a care home, and this includes Riverstone retirement living community, where several of our members live.

And it was here where we conducted a successful pilot of our Hoppy Hour programme, with the sessions first trialled to gauge their impact on resident engagement and wellbeing.

Commenting on the initiative, one delighted Riverstone resident said: “It was marvellous and offered something very different from my usual day-to-day routine. The bunnies were very cute and the cocktails were delicious!”

Why it matters

Animal-assisted therapy is increasingly recognised for the positive effect it can have on emotional wellbeing. Time spent with animals can help people feel calmer and more at ease, while also encouraging interaction, conversation and reminiscence.

Rabbits were chosen for Hoppy Hour because of their gentle temperament and quiet nature. Their soft, tactile presence can be especially comforting for older people, including those living with dementia or experiencing loneliness.

At Venelle, care is not just about practical support. It is also about helping people continue to enjoy life at home and making space for experiences that lift the mood and bring comfort.

Homecare with wellbeing in mind

Hoppy Hour reflects Venelle’s wider approach to lifestyle-led care, where emotional wellbeing is given the attention it deserves alongside day-to-day support.

Delivered in partnership with Megan’s Petting Paradise, the initiative brings a carefully managed therapeutic experience directly into the home. It’s a simple idea, but one that can have a real impact on how someone feels.

Register your interest

Hoppy Hour visits are available to Venelle’s concierge members across London and the surrounding counties.

If you would like to find out more, or register interest for yourself or a loved one, please get in touch by emailing hello@venellelife.co.uk 

Or contact the Venelle team to learn more about Venelle’s bespoke homecare and lifestyle support services.