Longford charity, Cian's Kennels, seeks national model of pet assisted therapy

In a significant show of cross-party support, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, attended a heartfelt presentation in Dáil Éireann on Wednesday, June 25, delivered by Cian’s Kennels, the national children’s charity founded in memory of Longford teenager Cian Neary. The event, facilitated by Michael Carrigy TD, brought together TDs and Senators from across Ireland and all political parties.

The presentation highlighted the transformative emotional and psychological benefits of being re-united with your pet and of pet therapy for hospitalised children. It included expert medical and academic contributions, moving personal stories, and a clear appeal for sustained government support to build a national framework for pet-assisted care.

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“I was so delighted to meet Ella, Evelyn and the Cian’s Kennels team in Leinster House at a really special event organised by Deputy Micheál Carrigy,” said Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

“Who doesn’t want to see their dog and be helped and facilitated to do so - especially at a most delicate, most vulnerable, and sometimes, if we’re honest, just a little lonely time in life - being in hospital for an extended time, away from the comforts of home, including away from beloved pets.

“How wonderful it is for Cian’s Kennels to have stepped in to help. Now I have a big job to find space by our new children’s hospital to continue this important therapeutic and very human need for our children in our wonderful children’s hospital of the future.”

Among the most powerful moments of the day was the emotional testimony of 19-year-old Ella Donlon, (Ambassador and Pet Therapy Advocate) a former long-term patient at CHI Crumlin and a service user of Cian’s Kennels. Ella shared the profound impact that reconnecting with her pet had during treatment.

“While the hospital is what keeps you alive, services like Cian’s Kennels are what keep you living your life,” she said.
“This service isn’t just about dogs. It’s about hope and the healing power of love between a child and their pet. It’s about giving sick children the chance to live, even a small part of their life, in a normal way.”

Her honest, heartfelt words resonated deeply with attendees, bringing visible emotion to the room and underscoring the unique and urgent value of the charity’s work.

“It was an honour to welcome the Minister for Health to this moving and important presentation,” said Micheál Carrigy TD.
Cian’s Kennels is currently operational at CHI Crumlin and Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, where it facilitates safe, structured reunions between children in care and their family pets.

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With rapidly increasing demand, the charity is seeking government support to develop a national model of pet-assisted therapy that places emotional well-being at the heart of paediatric care.

“Our mission is rooted in one boy’s love for his dog,” said Evelyn Neary, “but the impact of that bond is something every child deserves.”