CARE home residents were treated to “lovely afternoon” as they got to spend it in the company of two friendly piglets.

Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home, in Crabbs Hill, hosted an animal therapy session with piglets Pinky and Perky.

The piglets visited the home’s communal lounge, where residents were able to stroke and play with them.

Pinky and Perky also made visits to the residents’ rooms, where they could ask the animal handlers questions about piglet welfare and care.

Braintree and Witham Times: Cute - a close-up of one of the piglets at the homeCute - a close-up of one of the piglets at the home (Image: Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home)

Braintree and Witham Times: Fun - a resident being handed one of the piglets by a Performing Pets staff memberFun - a resident being handed one of the piglets by a Performing Pets staff member (Image: Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home)

The visit was arranged by the home’s activity coordinator Cristina Matei as a mood-boosting activity, stimulating all the senses for the residents.

Ms Matei said: “It was wonderful to welcome Performing Pets to Hatfield Peverel for our animal therapy session.

The afternoon was a great success, everyone enjoyed meeting the piglets and it was a lovely experience that our residents haven’t stopped talking about.

“Animal therapy sessions have many benefits for boosting well-being and improving social interactions and this is notable in our residents following a session.”

Teresa Grana, a resident at the home, said: “It was a lovely afternoon and I really enjoyed having a cuddle with the piglets. 

“I hope they come again soon.”

Braintree and Witham Times: On the move - a piglet exploring the care homeOn the move - a piglet exploring the care home (Image: Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home)

Braintree and Witham Times: Delighted - a resident sitting with a pigletDelighted - a resident sitting with a piglet (Image: Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home)

Braintree and Witham Times: Positive - Perky the piglet sitting on a resident's lapPositive - Perky the piglet sitting on a resident's lap (Image: Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home)

Pinky and Perky the piglets were provided by Performing Pets, a company which facilitates wellbeing-orientated animal activities.

Performing Pets has over 25-years of experience and alongside the animal therapy sessions, it also provides services in the film, theatre, special events industries.

Braintree and Witham Times: Fascinated - a resident stroking Pinky the pigletFascinated - a resident stroking Pinky the piglet (Image: Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home)

Braintree and Witham Times: Calming - a Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home resident with Perky the pigletCalming - a Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home resident with Perky the piglet (Image: Hatfield Peverel Bupa Care Home)


The staff have a vast knowledge and expertise about farm life, animal care, and management.

The home hopes to plan more animal visits in May.

To find out more about the home, head to tinyurl.com/bdcx8c6s.