Robotic pets for nursing homes
Bulk robotic cats, dogs and therapy robots for residential aged care. Compare options, plan a trial and request quotes from Australian suppliers.
Lifestyle coordinators, diversional therapists and care managers use robotic companion pets as one of their non-drug options for residents living with dementia. We help facilities compare what is available in Australia and put the enquiry in front of suppliers who sell to aged care in volume.
Who this page is for
- Lifestyle, leisure and diversional therapy teams planning activities for Standard 7.
- Clinical care managers building behaviour support plans that list alternative strategies.
- Procurement and operations staff at multi-site providers buying for several homes at once.
- Specialist dementia care units and memory support wings.
There were 2,590 residential aged care services in Australia at 30 June 2025, and in the latest year with diagnosis data, 54% of permanent residents were living with dementia. Most homes have residents who could benefit from a simulated pet, and few have a written plan for using them.
What facilities usually buy
| Option | Typical price per unit | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Companion cat (Joy for All style) | $259 to $300 | Most residents; lap-sized, purrs and responds to touch |
| Companion pup | $269 to $315 | Residents who grew up with dogs |
| MetaCat | $349 to $399 | Residents who respond to voice and movement |
| PARO seal | $6,500 | Dementia units and palliative care, one per wing |
Prices are Australian retailer listings checked in September 2026. Volume pricing is quoted by the supplier and is often lower. See the price guide for the detail.
How many to start with
Most homes start with a small set shared across a wing: two or three cats and one pup for a 30 to 40 bed unit, then add more once staff see which residents engage. A personal pet for a resident who becomes attached is common, and some families buy their own once they see the effect.
A 12-week trial with simple before and after notes gives the clinical team something to put in the care plan. Our introduction checklist covers consent, hygiene, batteries and record keeping.
What to ask a supplier
- Unit price at the quantity you need, and delivery to each site.
- Warranty length and how a faulty unit is replaced.
- Battery type and expected battery life with daily use.
- Cleaning guidance that fits your infection control policy.
- Whether they can supply a trial set before a larger order.
How an enquiry works
Tell us the number of homes, beds or wings, the type of pet you are considering and your timing. We pass the enquiry to a suitable Australian supplier who sells to aged care, and they quote you directly. Sending an enquiry does not commit you to anything. Robo Pets Australia is an enquiry service operated by Yes Right Pty Ltd, not a retailer.