'Dogs helping people'
WHO ARE WE and what do we do?
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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 a need in the Southern Highlands of NSW for a safe, professional and truly meaningful pet-assisted therapy service. With a background as a Registered Nurse and a lifelong love of animals, Sharon Stewart brought together two powerful passions — caring for people and the healing power of dogs — and registered PAWS as a charity. From very humble beginnings, with just three volunteer teams (including one very proud mum) visiting aged care homes, disability groups and the chemotherapy unit at Bowral, PAWS quickly built a reputation for high standards, strong training and genuine professionalism. As word spread, so did the wagging tails. Today, PAWS operates from its headquarters in Orangeville, NSW, supporting volunteer teams across New South Wales and beyond. Our Office Manager, Nadine, runs a wonderfully tight ship, making sure teams are supported and equipped to deliver a quality service to our hundreds of facilities. Our welcoming Orangeville office is generously provided by our Vice President, John Durbridge, giving PAWS a professional home base for training, coordination and support. A tree change in 2025 opened the door for Sharon (and husband Russell – Vice President) to establish a second office in Bathurst, with the exciting goal of growing PAWS services throughout the Central West of NSW and strengthening support for regional communities. Having now trained more than 550 dedicated volunteer teams, PAWS continues to grow in strength, reach and impact. With both face-to-face and remote training options, our course is accessible to new teams right across Australia. Yet no matter how large we grow, our focus remains exactly the same — bringing comfort, companionship and moments of genuine connection to people who need it most, wherever they may be. Over the years, PAWS has developed a range of unique programs, many designed especially for children. Programs such as PAWS’n’Tales, Mate @ the Gate and Jab Dogs help young people through tough moments — whether it’s lining up for a vaccination, building confidence with reading, or finding the courage to walk into the classroom. All of our services are tailored to the unique needs of our clients. PAWS volunteers come from all walks of life, united by kindness, compassion and a belief in the power of the human–animal bond. Their canine partners are just as wonderfully diverse — all shapes, sizes and personalities — and each with an incredible ability to connect, comfort and calm. We proudly welcome rescue dogs into our program, and time and again we see dogs who have had a rough start in life truly shine when given love, training and a purpose. From the very beginning, we have believed in the quiet magic that happens when people and dogs come together. Dogs offer love without judgement, loyalty without question and comfort without words. They have a remarkable way of turning anxious moments into calm, and lonely moments into something a little brighter. We are immensely proud of what PAWS has achieved so far — and even more excited about what lies ahead. This is only the beginning of our story, and we invite you to follow the journey with us… the heart-warming moments, the challenges, the laughter, and the many lives touched 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.