HCC - 05/23 - Pre-Procurement Market Engagement (PPME) for the Provision of Dog Therapy Services provided by HCC Staff and their Pet to People the Council Supports

The use of dogs within care provision in the UK is relatively well established, and there are now many examples of the therapeutic value of dog therapy. Recognising the potential of animal-based therapies, in 2017 HCC launched its Hertfordshire Taking the Lead (HTTL) programme in partnership with the charity Dogs for Good. The programme halted in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the projects operational at this time was HCC’s Staff Dogs Volunteering Scheme (the Scheme). This scheme supported assessed HCC staff and their trained pet dog to visit HCC establishments such as SEND schools and day centres. The rationale behind this scheme was for approved HCC staff and their dog to provide a cost-neutral resource to HCC service areas that could be used to complement existing service provision. The Council now wishes to re-establish the HCC Staff Dogs Volunteering Scheme within a framework that supports its long-term viability.