ARK Z-Vibe Animal Critter

The ARK Z-Vibe Animal Critter is a vibrating oral motor tool with a friendly mouse-shaped tip. It gives gentle vibration and textured input to help children with SEND and oral sensory needs become more comfortable with touch in and around the mouth. The playful animal design is intended to reduce worry around feeding and encourage children to join in at the table or during therapy sessions.

How it helps

The set combines a royal blue Z-Vibe handle with a Mouse Tip. The gentle vibration helps to wake up the mouth before meals and can help normalise sensitivities. The Mouse Tip has a range of shapes and textures for tactile input inside the mouth and around the lips and face. Its textured ears can be used as small spoons to help reduce texture aversion. A bite block on the back of the tip supports jaw grading and stability, as well as biting, chewing, mouthing and play-based activities.

For schools

• A friendly character that can help pupils feel more relaxed at snack and lunch times.
• One tool offers vibration, textures, spoon-like ears and a bite block.
• Supports play-based oral motor activities led by trained staff.
• Tip is dishwasher safe and the handle wipes clean.

For parents and home use

• Can make mealtimes feel more fun and less stressful.
• Helps you continue activities your child's therapist has suggested.
• Textured ears allow small tastes of food to be offered gently.
• Use it to wake up the mouth as part of a pre-meal routine.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Children with SEND and learning differences may be very sensitive, or under-sensitive, to touch and textures in the mouth. This can make eating and oral care harder. A playful, familiar tool can help a child feel safe enough to explore new sensations at their own pace.

Why vibration and texture can help

Gentle vibration gives strong sensory feedback that many people find alerting or calming, depending on how it is used. Combined with different textures, it can build awareness of the lips, tongue and cheeks. Practitioners often use play and characters to keep children engaged. The Animal Critter should always be used by a therapist or caregiver with direct supervision.

If you would like help choosing a Z-Vibe tool or tip, please get in touch with our team.

• Design: vibrating Z-Vibe handle with a mouse-shaped animal tip.
• Textures: range of shapes and textures for input inside the mouth and around the lips and face.
• Spoon ears: textured ears can be used as small spoons to help reduce texture aversion.
• Bite block: on the back of the tip for jaw grading, stability, biting and chewing practice.
• Materials: medical-grade materials.
• In the box: 1 x royal blue Z-Vibe handle and 1 x Mouse Tip.
• Made in: ARK's own factory in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

• Playful design. A friendly mouse character helps reduce worry around feeding and therapy sessions.
• Supports SEND needs. Gentle vibration and textures help children explore oral sensations at their own pace.
• School and home use. Dishwasher-safe tip and wipe-clean handle make daily use simple.
• Trusted maker. Made by ARK Therapeutic in the USA and supplied by UK specialist The Dyslexia Shop.

What's in the Box

• 1 x Z-Vibe handle (royal blue)
• 1 x Mouse Tip

Care and Cleaning

The tip is dishwasher safe. Wipe the handle with a disinfectant wipe after use.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

Safety and Age Suitability

Not a toy. Contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard. This therapeutic tool should be used by a therapist or caregiver and directly supervised at all times.

• What is the ARK Z-Vibe Animal Critter?
  It is a vibrating oral motor tool made up of a Z-Vibe handle and a mouse-shaped tip. It gives gentle vibration and textured input in and around the mouth. The friendly character is designed to help children feel more relaxed during feeding and therapy activities.
• Who is the Animal Critter for?
  It is for children who need support with oral sensory input, feeding or oral motor skills. ARK does not give a specific age range on the page. It is designed for use by therapists and caregivers and must be directly supervised at all times.
• Can it help children with SEND?
  Yes, it can help children with SEND who find touch or textures in the mouth difficult. The gentle vibration and textures let an adult introduce new sensations in a playful way. It works best as part of a plan agreed with a speech and language therapist.
• Can it be used in school?
  Yes, trained staff can use it in school, for instance before snack or lunch. The mouse design can help pupils engage, and the dishwasher-safe tip and wipe-clean handle make it practical for regular use. We recommend each pupil has their own tip.
• How can we use it at home?
  Use it at home to wake up the mouth before meals or during play. The textured ears can hold a small taste of food to help reduce texture aversion, and the bite block supports biting and chewing practice. Always supervise closely, as it contains small parts.
• What comes in the box?
  You receive one royal blue Z-Vibe handle and one Mouse Tip. The Mouse Tip includes textured areas, spoon-like ears and a bite block on the back. The handle is royal blue, and the whole set is made by ARK in the USA from medical-grade materials.
• How do I clean the Animal Critter?
  The Mouse Tip is dishwasher safe. Wipe the handle with a disinfectant wipe after each use. Check the tip regularly and replace it if you notice any wear or damage, as you would with any tool used in the mouth.