Animal Experience – In Partnership with Pearson’s Farm & Animal Rescue
We offer a range of unique Animal Experiences designed to meet your NDIS goals and individual needs.
Come for a one-off visit to meet our gorgeous animals, or join us for regular weekly sessions. Our nature-based programs leverage the natural connection between humans and animals to encourage participation, growth, and wellbeing. From cheeky goats waiting for their bottles to gentle horses, every animal is ready to say hello.
We have a diverse mix of farm and native animals in a stunning, peaceful environment designed to foster engagement, motivation, and emotional regulation.
Accessing Animal Experiences through your NDIS Plan
1. Therapy Funding – Capacity Building & Improved Daily Living
Using a Therapist
These are therapist-led sessions at the farm, where the animal acts as a motivator and therapy aid. Led by one of our qualified therapists, these sessions are particularly beneficial for individuals who:
- Struggle in traditional therapy settings
- Have disengaged from mainstream supports
- Thrive in nature-based, multi-sensory environments
- Need movement or calming strategies through animal interaction
Using a Therapy Assistant or Mentor
Under the NDIS, a Level 2 Therapy Assistant can work with a participant under the indirect supervision of a qualified therapist.
At Pearson’s Farm & Animal Rescue, we only use Level 2 Therapy Assistants. This means:
- The supervising therapist meets with the assistant before sessions begin to go through the participant’s therapy plan in detail
- The therapist provides any specific training required for the participant’s needs
- The therapist meets with the assistant at least once per term to review progress, update strategies, and modify the plan
- The therapist also meets with the participant (and/or their family) at least once per term to review goals, gather feedback, and make any necessary adjustments
Level 2 Therapy Assistants can:
- Deliver supports and activities outlined in the therapy plan
- Reinforce strategies, exercises, and techniques that help the participant meet their NDIS goals
- Communicate observations back to the therapist to help guide ongoing therapy
This model is cost-effective, as the therapy assistant can deliver much of the program at a lower rate than the therapist, while still ensuring the program is professionally designed, monitored, and adapted.
2. NDIS Core – Social & Community Participation
This is funding allocated for support workers and mentors to assist you with community access. It can also be used to visit the farm. We can provide a variety of animal-based activities and skill-building experiences that complement therapy.
These sessions are more flexible and focus on confidence, engagement, and community participation.
Our support can include:
- Home pick-up and drop-off
- Sessions lasting from 1.5 hours to a full day
- Farm-based or combined farm and community activities
Sessions are participant-led and focus on building connection, confidence, and motivation through nature and animal interaction.
Animal’s Therapeutic Role
In Animal Experiences, the animal is not the therapist—but a powerful tool used by the therapist to build connection and foster engagement. Animals serve as a calming presence and a source of motivation, helping participants feel more comfortable and open during sessions.
The therapist uses the animal as a central part of the session—whether through grooming, feeding, walking, or simply spending time together in nature. This shared focus helps to:
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Encourage communication and interaction
- Improve focus and cooperation
- Make therapy fun and meaningful
Each session takes place in a peaceful, nature-based environment that also helps meet sensory needs and supports emotional regulation.
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