‘Robo pets’ provide solace for people living with dementia

Published 03 July 2026

• Three ‘robo companion pets’ have found a home at City of Moreton Bay libraries.
• The robotic animals offer comfort and connection to people living with dementia by reducing feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
• The pets will be used as part of Council’s Dementia Sharing Circle and other dementia-friendly programs.  

The gentle purring of a cat or calming presence of a precious pooch is helping bring comfort and connection to City of Moreton Bay locals living with dementia.

The special pets have found new homes at three City of Moreton Bay libraries and will aid people living with dementia - with one key difference. They’re not real.

Two ‘robocats’ and a ‘robodog’ will work their magic with visitors to Redcliffe, Caboolture and North Lakes libraries as part of their dementia-friendly programs designed to support residents living with their dementia and their carers.

Lifelike in appearance and movement, the companion animals are designed to provide therapeutic support thanks to their soft fur, gentle movements and simulated heartbeats.

That in turns helps to reduce feelings of anxiety, and loneliness while encouraging interaction and emotional comfort for participants

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said he was pleased Council was able to acquire the robotic companions as part of efforts to provide inclusive programs for those with the condition.

“People living with dementia and their carers often experience significant social isolation as a result of their diagnosis, so coming to the library and interacting with other people through a fun and playful activity like this can assist in improved feelings of wellbeing,” he said.

“Coupled with our dementia kits, this initiative offers another way for people to rebuild important connections with the outside world.”

Council’s seven other libraries will also be able to borrow the pets as part of three dementia kits that can be accessed on site, or as part of library visits to aged care and other facilities.

The kits include three weighted plush comfort dogs, classic board games like checkers and snakes and ladders, simple jigsaw puzzles and reminiscence books designed to spark memories, celebrate personal history, and aid cognitive recall.

Much like a weighted blanket, the weighted comfort dogs use deep pressure stimulation to naturally ease anxiety emulating a soothing hug, reducing evening agitation and improving sleep quality.

Council’s Redcliffe Library’s Dementia Sharing Circle is another initiative - a welcoming space where people living with dementia, their care partners and loved ones can connect over a cuppa with additional support from a non-clinical support professional known as a dementia doula.

For more information on our dementia-friendly libraries and programs, head to https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/libraries/Discover/Dementia-Friendly-Libraries.