Paws Pet Therapy is committed to bringing dogs into the lives of people in need. We have pooches that are full of doggy happiness in all shapes and sizes, trained and ready for love. Together with their big hearted owner they can't wait to bring smiles to faces and joy to hearts.

Just like our dogs, our clients come in various sizes - from the smallest of children to the elderly. Here are some of the ways a PAWS dog can bring light into the life of someone you care for.

Visits for Adults

The potential of dogs to bring boundless joy and comfort to people's lives is remarkable. Seniors in aged care facilities and day programs can greatly benefit from visits by friendly dogs and compassionate volunteers from PAWS. For many, a visit from PAWS is the highlight of their week, eagerly anticipated for the chance to interact with our dogs and engage in friendly conversation with our volunteers... our dogs and volunteers excel at listening attentively! The presence of a trained PAWS team can significantly enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of your clients. PAWS visits aren't limited to healthcare settings; organisations across Australia are increasingly recognising the importance of pet therapy in addressing the physical and mental health needs of their staff. Spending time with a PAWS dog can help alleviate stress and anxiety, reduce blood pressure, and stimulate the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of happiness and wellbeing. Additionally, PAWS teams can support in various other ways, including: Visiting hospital wards Participating in rehabilitation programs Supporting patient treatments such as chemotherapy and dialysis Integrating into mental health treatment plans Engaging with disability groups Visiting refuges Supporting emergency services Assisting crisis call centers Time spent with a dog and their friendly handler can be a valuable addition to your client support initiatives. There are countless ways that PAWS teams can bring warmth and solace into lives—reach out to us for more information.

Visits for Young People

PAWS programs for young people aim to support them in navigating the challenges of life, such as academic pressures, relationships, work, and broader issues like COVID-19, financial difficulties, and mental health concerns. PAWS teams, known for their compassionate approach and expertise, are integral to various wellbeing initiatives across universities, educational institutions, young persons' refuges, and high schools. The partnership between dogs and young people is particularly effective. Dogs help young individuals who may struggle with communication, shyness, withdrawal, or anxiety to engage more comfortably. This interaction not only improves overall health outcomes but also supports academic environments by reducing stress among students and promoting healthy study habits. In schools and libraries, PAWS teams assist in supporting students during stressful study periods offering much needed breaks and encouraging beneficial social interactions with peers. These initiatives play a crucial role in mental health support by fostering group participation and facilitating improved interactions with both staff and peers. This integrated approach tailors wellbeing programs to meet the diverse needs of young people, enhancing their overall resilience and wellbeing. For more information on how a calm and loving PAWS team can support young people in your care please reach out to a helpful PAWS representative.

Visits for Children

At PAWS, we defy the old adage "never work with children or animals" – in fact, we thrive on it! Our diverse range of programs for children are designed to nurture their wellbeing, educational progress, emotional development, and overall happiness. Dogs provide children with a unique interaction experience that is calming, enjoyable, positive, inspiring, and comforting, helping them to realize their potential across all facets of life. We treat each child with respect, acknowledging their individual needs. PAWS programs are versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into various settings including schools, before and after school care, hospitals, mental health facilities, libraries, school holiday programs, and preschools. Here are a few examples of how our PAWS teams can create magical moments for children under your care: Paws 'n' Tales is not just a literacy program; it's an innovative approach based on the unconditional love of dogs, aimed at engaging children's interest in reading and books. Suitable for children aged 4-8 years, with adaptability to accommodate various age groups. Mate@theGate is specifically designed to support children transitioning from home to school. Our friendly dogs offer a comforting presence, helping children cope with the challenges of a busy playground and the separation from a parent or carer, fostering a calm and focused environment to ease their integration into the classroom. The program aims to reduce anxiety, encourage positive social interactions, and facilitate a smooth transition into the classroom environment with a focus on calming techniques, gentle distraction, and positive reinforcement. The program is particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other conditions, offering valuable support during times of change. Wellness Visits introduce the therapeutic benefits of dogs into schools and other settings, enriching the wellbeing of students through meaningful interactions and tailored programs. By integrating social and emotional learning with authentic dog experiences, our initiative positively impacts school communities, benefiting students, staff, and families alike. Ask us today how a PAWS team can help children as they embark on their life's journey!