Companion pet, PARO or plush toy
A companion robotic cat or pup, PARO and a plush toy compared on price, care and evidence from a trial in 28 Queensland aged care homes.
Aged care teams often ask whether the expensive robot is worth it. Each option suits different residents, and many homes use all three.
Side by side
| Companion cat or pup | PARO seal | Plush toy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $259 to $300 for a cat | $6,500 | Low |
| Responds to touch | Yes, purrs or barks | Yes, several sensors, learns its name | No |
| Research | Smaller studies, positive for mood and loneliness | Largest body of research, including an Australian trial | Used as the comparison in trials |
| Power | Batteries or recharge | Recharge | None |
| Best use | Personal pet or shared set for a wing | Planned sessions in dementia units | Residents who want something soft to hold |
What did the Australian trial show?
In the Griffith University trial across 28 Queensland facilities, PARO reduced agitation compared with usual care on video observation and drew more engagement than the plush toy. The cost analysis found the plush toy was slightly better value for money. Weigh the price against how many residents will use each option.
Which mix suits most homes?
- Keep a few plush animals for residents who simply like something to hold.
- Use companion cats and pups as personal or shared pets across the home.
- Consider PARO for a dementia unit where staff run planned sessions and can justify the cost.
Questions to settle before buying
- Who will clean, charge or replace batteries, and how often?
- Will pets be personal to one resident or shared?
- How will you record whether they help?
Read what the research says or request quotes.