Programs

A dog for every kind of visit

Committed, compassionate, police-checked teams for hospitals, aged care and mental health units, plus eight programs built specifically for children and young people. Ponies too, with PAWS'n'Hooves. Every dog is vet-accredited, and their welfare always comes first.

Request a visit

A child reading aloud beside a PAWS therapy dog in a library, part of the PAWS'n'Tales program

A joyful PAWS therapy dog with its paws up, being patted

PAWS volunteers and dogs gathered at a community hall event

Brodie, a PAWS therapy dog, beside floral tributes while offering community support at Bondi

A volunteer holding her small PAWS therapy dog in its purple vest

Visits for adults

Wherever a PAWS dog can help

A nurse kneeling beside a PAWS therapy dog in a hospital corridor

Hospitals

General wards, palliative care, mental health units. A short visit beside the bed, no agenda beyond company.

Charlie the therapy dog from PAWS Pet Therapy is now visiting patients at Westmead once a fortnight, bringing comfort to those going through what can be a challenging and anxious time.

Westmead Private Hospital

Aged care

Regular visits into residential aged care, often the same team and the same faces each time.

Our seniors loved the chance to cuddle, pat, and play with our furry friend, and for many it was a chance to step down memory lane as a pet owner.

IC Care Picton

PAWS volunteers and their therapy dogs with NSW Police officers, visiting to offer support after Bondi

Offices, community and emergency services

Workplaces, universities, community events and support for emergency services personnel after a difficult day, like our visits to police after Bondi.

Campus Canines flyer for universities →

We embraced the healing power of the furriest of friends and the importance of asking R U OK?

Macquarie Centre, R U OK? Day

For children and young people

8 PAWSOME programs for kids

They say never work with children or animals. We thrive on it. Schools and libraries can request a visit or download an application.

PAWS'n'Tales

Making reading something to look forward to. Children read and share stories with a gentle canine companion who doesn't correct, rush or judge them.

Thank you Michelle & Sam-the-dog from PAWS Pet Therapy for another glorious year of reading & friendship!!

St Theresa's Catholic Primary School

Mate @ the Gate

A helping paw from the school gate to the classroom, for children who find the transition from home to school challenging.

Jab Dogs

A reassuring paw when needles are scary. Support for students undergoing vaccinations at school, especially those with a needle phobia.

HSC Support

Taking some of the pressure out of exam time. A chance to step away, reset and recharge before heading back to study.

When study stress kicks in, sometimes the best support comes with a wagging tail.

Woollahra Library

PAWS Wellbeing

Sometimes the best support has four paws. Wellness visits to slow down, connect, and enjoy time with a non-judgemental companion.

Pet therapy provides incredible benefits for young people with neurodivergencies, such as reducing anxiety and enhancing social interactions.

Social Minds

PAWS Together

Friendship starts with a paw. Young people and PAWS dogs explore what makes a great friendship: kindness, respect, inclusion, understanding and looking out for each other.

PAWS, Play & Discover

School holidays just got a little more pawsome! A fun, interactive holiday workshop where kids learn about dogs, meet our PAWS teams and enjoy plenty of hands-on activities: games, craft, stories and time with our therapy dogs.

Download the flyer →

PAWS'n'Hooves

Our newest program: ponies instead of dogs. Growing fast.

Learn more →

In their words

More from the places we visit

Charlie the therapy dog made a special visit to the Year 12 study space and Fusion Courtyard, spreading affection and collecting plenty of pats along the way! Thanks to Dahlia for bringing this furry dose of calm to IGS.

International Grammar School

Jada, the adorable (and stylish) therapy dog, is spreading joy with cuddles, pats, and smiles to the young people at Youturn YES Adelaide! … “This is just what I needed,” shared one participant.

Youturn South Australia

We've been very lucky to welcome therapy dog Rusty back this term. It is always wonderful to see the joy he spreads when visiting patients, their families and staff in the paediatric ward.

Bankstown Hospital School

Last week's Bus to Books outing was extra special, with a visit from PAWS Pet Therapy dog Casper and his owner Rhonda. Casper was a big hit and brought plenty of smiles.

Woollahra Library

Beautiful Luci from PAWS Pet Therapy during a Hypno 'n' Hounds session this week. Seeing Luci connect with this client was so heartwarming. Thank you Lyn and Luci and PAWS Pet Therapy

Equilibrium Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy