The companion pup for older Australians
The Joy for All style companion pup summarised from published specs: bark-back, heartbeat, coat options, Australian retail price and day-to-day care.
The companion pup is the robotic dog most Australian dementia and aged care retailers stock. It comes from the Joy for All range, made by Ageless Innovation, a company spun out of Hasbro in April 2018. This summary is drawn from the maker’s published features and Australian retail listings. We have not tested the pup ourselves.
Published features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sound | Barks back when it hears a voice nearby |
| Heartbeat | A simulated heartbeat that can be felt when the pup is held |
| Coats | Golden and freckled versions |
| Power | Batteries |
| Australian price | $269 to $315 |
Who it tends to suit
The pup rewards conversation. Someone who used to chat to the family dog, call it over or tell it about their day often responds to the bark-back feature, because the pup answers. Many older people held a dog on their lap for years, and the weight and heartbeat give them something familiar to hold.
It suits people who:
- grew up with dogs or had one until moving into care
- talk more than they stroke
- enjoy something to hold during a quiet part of the day
What the research covers
Most published research on robotic animals uses the PARO seal. One study that did use a robotic dog or cat of this type ran for 6 weeks in residential care and found lower depression and loneliness scores. It was a single small study, so treat it as a promising sign, and watch how each person responds.
Day-to-day care
- Check the battery cover is closed and the screw is tight, so batteries cannot be removed by the owner.
- Keep a spare set of batteries with the pup and label who changes them.
- Wipe the coat with a slightly damp cloth and follow the maker’s care card. Do not soak it.
- Rest it on a lap, a table or a wide chair. A pup perched on the edge of a bed can slide off.
Getting a price
Retail prices move between shops and with the season. Send the quantity and delivery address through the enquiry form and a supplier will quote. You can also see the price guide or browse all our pages.