Beginning
October!
Puppy & Kitten Playtime
Therapy disguised as the best hour of their week.
Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen while tossing a toy to a puppy, brushing a sleepy kitten, or giggling with new friends.
Our Puppy & Kitten Playtime group is designed for children ages 5–10 who could use a little extra support with big feelings, confidence, friendships, or simply navigating childhood. Through guided play, caring for animals, and therapist-led activities, kids practice important life skills without feeling like they're sitting in therapy.
Because honestly...it mostly feels like hanging out with puppies and kittens.
Why animals?
Animals have a way of making people feel safe.
They don't judge. They don't expect perfect words. They simply meet children exactly where they are.
As children learn how to care for an animal, they naturally practice slowing down, paying attention, solving problems, handling disappointment, and understanding emotions—both their own and someone else's. Those little moments become powerful opportunities for growth.
What does a session look like?
Every visit has a familiar rhythm that helps kids feel comfortable while still leaving plenty of room for fun.
Play with Purpose
Every session blends guided activities, animal care, and plenty of puppy and kitten playtime. Kids are having fun while naturally building confidence, emotional awareness, and lifelong coping skills.
Real Skills. Real Moments.
Whether they're calming an excited puppy, helping brush a kitten, or working through an unexpected challenge, every interaction becomes an opportunity to practice emotional regulation, problem-solving, and empathy in real time.
Every Visit Is a Fresh Adventure
No two groups are exactly alike. With rotating themes and a flexible drop-in format, children can join whenever it works for your family—and leave every session with a meaningful experience (and probably a story about their new furry friend).
Who: Children ages 5–10
When: Beginning October
Where: 5 Market Square, B9, Amesbury, MA 01913
Setting: Studio room or outdoors
Cost: $30 per child/drop-in or insurance accepted
Skills they're building (without even realizing it)
While your child thinks they're making a puppy happy, they're also learning to...
Calm their body during overwhelming moments
Recognize and express emotions
Build confidence through responsibility
Practice patience and flexible thinking
Make thoughtful choices
Develop empathy and kindness
Connect with other children in a supportive environment
Flexible for real life
We know family schedules can be...a lot.
That's why Puppy & Kitten Playtime is offered as a drop-in group. There's no pressure to commit to a series of sessions, and families can attend the schedule that works best for them. Every group stands on its own, so your child never feels behind.
Is this group right for my child?
This group may be a great fit if your child:
Has big feelings that sometimes feel hard to manage
Could benefit from building confidence
Enjoys animals (or wants to become more comfortable around them)
Learns best through movement, play, and hands-on experiences
Would enjoy practicing social skills with other kids in a relaxed environment
Before joining, we'll complete a brief screening to make sure the group is the right fit for your child, including discussing allergies, fears, and any other considerations.
Meet Our Playtime Pets!
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Meet Eleanor! ("Nori")
Professional Good Girl • Certified by Sit Means Sit (2025) • Golden Hour Counseling Social Emotional Animal (2026)
🦴 Chief Belly Rub Officer
🐾 Director of Happy Greetings
💛 Resident Playtime Specialist
🎾 Fetch & Feelings Expert
🌞 Official Joy Ambassador
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Meet Luca!
In Training • Golden Hour Counseling Social Emotional Animal (2026)
💦 Chief Splash & Water Officer
💤 Director of Strategic Napping
🎾 Fetch & Friendship Specialist
🐾 Big Pup, Big Heart Ambassador
💛 Professional Sweet-Eyes Expert
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Meet Lucky!
Lucky’s description is on it’s way!
