From Pound to Purpose
When rescue dogs become therapy dogs
PAWS Pet Therapy is one of the leading organisations offering these services. Founded in 2012, it has grown into a nationwide charity with more than 550 volunteer teams visiting hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, and community services. At the heart of PAWS are ordinary people and their extraordinary dogs, working together to share moments of healing, memory, and connection.
We all know how good it feels to be around animals, but pet therapy goes far beyond just warm and fuzzies. Research has shown that time spent with therapy animals can help reduce blood pressure and heart rate, relieve anxiety and depression, lift mood, and support recovery from pain or physical challenges. Time spent with a dog provides social opportunities and enhances communication skills, especially for people finding it hard to make social connections.
But while the science is compelling, beyond these measurable outcomes are the everyday stories that truly speak to the impact of pet therapy. A dog nudging their way into a quiet child’s heart. An older person remembering a long-lost pet. A tired staff member pausing for a smile and a pat during a tough shift. These are the quiet, magical moments of healing, memory and connection. The beauty of pet therapy is that everyone benefits – patients, their family and staff, and the therapy dog and handler. Our loving, engaging therapy dogs touch lives in ways we often can’t put into words.
Giving Rescue Dogs a Second Chance
Many of the PAWS Pet Therapy dogs are rescued, some of whom have come from heartbreaking and difficult backgrounds. Despite their pasts, these dogs have shown incredible resilience and now bring comfort, joy, and healing to those they visit. Each week, their visits brighten hospital wards, ease the worries of students, and offer comfort in palliative care and mental health facilities. We strongly encourage the adoption of rescue animals and are proud to support numerous rescue organisations whose efforts make these second chances possible.
The Power of Volunteering
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The act of volunteering offers many benefits, both for the individuals who generously give their time and the communities they serve. Volunteers often say they experience a greater sense of purpose, helping them feel better connected to others, while boosting their mental health, self-esteem and self-confidence. And when you’re volunteering alongside your best four-legged friend, the experience becomes even more rewarding!
In Australia, volunteering is a big part of who we are. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over five million people took part in formal volunteering in 2021, contributing millions of hours to their communities. It’s an incredible effort—but what really matters are the lives touched along the way. At PAWS, we see it every day in the magical moments shared between our volunteers and the people they visit.
Is your dog suitable to become a therapy dog?
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Not every dog is cut out to be a therapy dog. Some dogs are too shy, some too energetic, and others simply prefer the comfort of their own family. Therapy dogs need a calm, gentle demeanour and a willingness to engage with strangers. They also need a compassionate and generous owner who is ready to share their dog, and be rewarded by the magic they witness on every visit.
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PAWS Pet Therapy dogs are all assessed for temperament, health and engagement. They are assessed, firstly by their vet, then by trained PAWS staff in a mock hospital scenario. We look for safety, teamwork and engagement, and an overall suitability for pet therapy work.
A dog's love alone is not enough. Every dog, no matter how cute and well behaved, needs training to learn how to navigate hospital corridors, classrooms full of children, or aged-care lounge rooms where they are required to work around mobility aids and frail people. At PAWS Pet Therapy, we know the real key lies in training the humans. Our handlers complete a comprehensive program that teaches everything from infection control to patient privacy, from understanding dog behaviour to advocating for their dog in unfamiliar situations. A trained and well-prepared handler is able to control each situation, ensuring their dog is relaxed, safe, and able to do what he does best — bring comfort and joy to people who need some love and light in their day.
PAWS Pet Therapy dogs are all assessed for temperament, health and engagement. They are assessed, firstly by their vet, then by trained PAWS staff in a mock hospital scenario. We look for safety, teamwork and engagement, and an overall suitability for pet therapy work.
