Small Paws. Big Steps to Learning.
Give what you can to help children reengage with education!
Find security in puppy love
Help kids like Oliver, who at age eight had been through enough trauma that he struggled to cope in unfamiliar situations, including the classroom.
Because school felt threatening, incidents of emotional outbursts were common and his attendance dropped to just two hours a day for three days a week.
Then, something beautiful happened.
A furry friend came into Oliver’s life and helped him regulate his emotions and feel safe in the classroom.
He actually ran out of the house to greet her…I’ve got these beautiful photos of them where the dog is just lying next to him. 
- Belinda, Education Specialist
With some furry love and therapy, Oliver was able to rebuild trust in adults, reduce his outbursts, and increase his attendance to full days.
Oliver’s incredible turnaround is proof that programs like Paw Pals work – and its full reach is only made possible with the compassion of people like you!
Statistics show that attendance rates are dropping and that almost 1 in 5 Australian children aren't finishing year 12. Considering that over 90% of new jobs will require a tertiary qualification, your support means that Paw Pals can reach more children like Oliver, giving them hope and a future!
Why donate?
- Help children stay in school and avoid the lifelong impacts of disengagement.
- Support therapy dogs and trained facilitators who create safe, nurturing learning environments.
- Expand Paw Pals to more regions, reaching more students each year.
- Be part of a proven program that transforms lives through education and wellbeing.
The difference you make to children struggling at school
You’re helping to lower stress levels
A Paw Pal like Marlowe helps students who have gone through trauma to feel safe, improving their ability to learn.
You’re helping kids identify and manage big emotions
Through simple activities like rolling a die with their Paw Pal, students learn to explore feelings, practising to recognise emotions in themselves and in their therapy dog.
You’re helping to develop kids’ social skills
A Paw Pal helps to nurture skills like patience, trust, teamwork, and cooperation, boosting confidence in social situations.
Paw Pals could make the absolute difference between a child attending and not attending school.
- Belinda, Education Specialist
