WAON expands integrated residential care facilities for the disabled and rescue animals

WAON is Japan’s first joint residential care facility for the disabled and rescue animals. This service was started by anispi Holdings, an issue-driven company founded in 2016. The team focuses on human and animal welfare and work toward solving issues such as the limited availability of services for people with disabilities, vacant housing, and mass execution of pets.

Last year, WAON introduced an additional 27 locations across 12 prefectures to its current 397 locations nationwide.

Unlike your regular residential care facilities, residents at WAON live with animals. Daily interaction with rescue dogs and cats serves as a form of pet therapy that comes with a wide range of benefits.

Pets are increasingly recognized for their positive effects on mental health. Not only is their companionship effective in alleviating stress and anxiety, but they also boost one’s mood. Being around animals also provide a calming effect and strengthens emotional intimacy in relationships.

Beyond that, pet therapy is also known for its health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Apart from helping people with disabilities to cope and recover from health problems, pet therapy can also support patients receiving rehabilitation. Furthermore, caring for a pet encourages one to lead an active lifestyle, improving their overall well-being.

Pet therapy also offers social advantages that should not be overlooked. Daily interaction with pets allows people an opportunity for social interaction. It translates to improve communication and social skills, and smoother interpersonal relationships. Additionally, being a pet owner will give people with disabilities the confidence to achieve physical and financial independence.

This system helps to give rescued animals a home, bringing the community a step closer to one free from mass pet cullings.

WAON’s new integrated care model has the potential to expand to support other communities. It provides options for care services such as elderly homes to implement this model into their future facilities.