'Dogs helping people'
WHO ARE WE and what do we do?
.jpg)
Welcome to PAWS Pet Therapy where we have a passionate volunteer and behind the scenes team who aim to bring a blend of professionalism and joy to every visit. Our dedicated volunteers, alongside their beautiful, friendly dogs, work tirelessly to spread smiles and comfort through the magic of pet-assisted therapy. At PAWS, we take our mission seriously, but we also believe that a bit of fun and lots of tail wags are the secret ingredients to our success. Join us as we make the world a brighter place, one wagging tail at a time!
The story so far...
Paws Pet Therapy was founded in 2012 in response to an obvious need for a professional, safe and enjoyable pet assisted therapy service in the Southern Highlands of NSW. With a professional background as a Registered Nurse and a lifelong passion for animals, Sharon Stewart created Paws Pet Therapy and registered it as a charity. The PAWS service had humble beginnings - starting with 3 volunteer teams (one of them Sharon's mum), originally visiting aged care facilities, disability groups and the chemotherapy unit at Bowral. PAWS' reputation for safety and professionalism quickly grew, as did its geographical footprint. PAWS now operates from our headquarters at Orangeville in NSW but supports teams all around Australia. Our great non-profit is supported by Sharon Stewart as CEO and Founder alongside Christina Bakker in her role as Volunteer Management & Liaison, Nadine Kosztka as Office Manager and Lisa McKay as the Coordinator of Children's Programs. Having trained over 500 dedicated volunteer teams, visiting people all around NSW and now in interstate locations, PAWS is growing in strength, numbers and geographic location. Regardless of our size or reach, PAWS will always stay true to our primary focus...bringing comfort, love and companionship to people in need no matter who they are or where they live. PAWS volunteers are a great bunch of people who come from all walks of life bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and compassion to their important work. Equally diverse, their canine companions come in a range of different breeds, shapes and sizes, and are all loving, clever and intuitive. We strongly encourage volunteers with rescue dogs to join our team. In most cases, we find these wonderful souls, who have often had a hard and unloving start to life, have so much love to give, once embraced by a loving family and given a purpose. From our earliest visits we have believed strongly in the magic that is created when you bring people and dogs together. The love of a dog is unconditional. It is given freely, without prejudice or favour. A dog instantly lights up a room, turning frowns into smiles and darkness into light. They are at once our best friend and truest companion. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved so far...but this is just the start of our story. We welcome you to follow the journey - the laughs as well as the tears along the way.
Our Volunteers
Every week, PAWS volunteers generously dedicate their time to bring the enchantment of pet-assisted therapy to individuals in various settings, addressing needs that range from loneliness to cancer. Our volunteers complete an in-depth PAWS training program and receive ongoing support to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they deliver a professional and safe pet therapy service. We are always looking for new volunteers and offer the chance to work alongside their beloved pets in specialized areas of their choosing whenever possible. Our professional service is supported by trained teams, established policies, and insurance, which is why we charge modest fees for visits. Our diverse volunteers bring a wealth of unique skills and experiences to their roles. They are regularly rewarded with heartfelt smiles and meaningful moments, taking great pride in their special role. Despite their training, our volunteers are continually amazed by the profound interactions and joy their visits inspire. Volunteers benefit from ongoing training and social events, where they can share experiences, exchange stories and ideas, and connect with one another.
Our Dogs
PAWS dogs come in all sizes, shapes, breeds, and personalities, but they share key qualities: they are sociable, loving, healthy, and obedient. All PAWS dogs are vaccinated to the highest standard for their state, are on a regular health regime, and are routinely vet-checked. Whatever your needs may be, PAWS Pet Therapy will match you with the perfect team for you. Our PAWS dogs eagerly anticipate their visits, excited to don their PAWS vests and spread joy. They relish their time interacting with their human companions and thrive on the positive attention they receive from everyone they meet. The work they do with their owners is not only rewarding but also provides valuable time together and strengthens their bonds.
Where do we visit?
PAWS is covered by $20 million in Public Liability insurance and follows comprehensive WH&S policies and procedures, including a COVID safety plan. This ensures that our service remains professional, effective, and secure. We provide therapy services to clients across NSW, including in the Southern Highlands, Illawarra, Macarthur, Wollondilly, Shoalhaven, Sydney city, the Central Coast, as well as rural and regional areas. We visit individuals of all age groups and can tailor unique, successful, and interactive experiences, facilitated by our trained and supported teams. We are also expanding our reach, inviting volunteers and facilities from other states and across Australia to join us.
To find out more about costs of visits, the benefits of pet therapy, or how Paws Pet Therapy can help you please click here.