Your donation today 

can change a Veteran’s tomorrow

Help Veterans find hope, healing and a new beginning after a life of service.

After 35 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, David’s transition to civilian life was anything but easy.

Stripped of the routine and community he had known for decades, he found himself withdrawing, feeling anxious and isolated.

Then, David joined Happy Paws Happy Hearts’ programs for Veterans. Through working with rescue animals and connecting with like-minded peers, he began to rebuild.

“It got me out of my own headspace and out of my shell. If I didn’t show up, maybe a dog wouldn’t get a pat that day, and that gave me a reason to get out of bed, and purpose for something other than myself.”

3% Cover the Fee

Why give?

  • ✽

    Every year, 1 in 3 Australians feels the heavy weight of loneliness and social isolation — a silent struggle that touches thousands of veterans like David, who are learning to navigate life after service.  

  • ✽

    Without the daily structure, shared purpose, and close-knit bonds of service, many Veterans find themselves feeling lost and alone. By supporting our EOFY campaign, you can help us reach Veterans before the silence of isolation takes hold. Your donation will fund real programs with real outcomes.

  • ✽

    Your gift might be the reason someone like David smiles again, trusts again, or leaves the house for the first time in weeks.

Now, David is moving forward with confidence, connection and hope.

“This Program has given me the confidence I need to get back to daily routines, and to get my foot in that door to experience something different.”

“It was my chance to find life again after the distance and deployments.”

This EOFY, your support could be the turning point to help remind Veterans they’re not alone.

3% Cover the Fee

Other Veterans positively impacted by our Programs

“I suddenly lost the family I had in the military. I wasn't in a good place mentally. In the Program, I started noticing how the animal behaviour tools we learned has helped me better understand people. I connected with people who are strong in character and share a common drive to help others. HPHH has become a second family for me, it has helped me feel like myself again”

Robin, former Royal Australian Air Force member and Intensive and Defence Families Program Participant

“The Intensive course became a real motivator for me and a reason to get up in the morning. It bought more than what I was expecting, and that was incredible friendships. It has made an incredible difference to my life and moving forward from Defence.”

Rebecca, former Defence Force member and Intensive Participant

Make a donation.

Don’t Wait — Your Donation Today Can Change a Veteran’s Tomorrow.

3% Cover the Fee

 FAQs

  • Happy Paws Happy Hearts offers two dedicated programs to support veterans, first responders, and others with a life of service processing trauma.

    Defence Families Program (select locations): An 8-week program for current and ex-serving ADF members and their families to learn animal handling skills together, strengthen family bonds, and connect with others in a supportive environment.

    Intensive Program (Darwin, Wacol & Dakabin): A curated 12-week in-shelter program where participants work hands-on with rescue animals, helping them prepare for adoption while rebuilding their own routine, skills, and sense of purpose.

  • Working with rescue animals offers participants a unique path to healing. While helping train and socialise animals on their journey to adoption, participants rebuild routine, teamwork, confidence and ultimately connection with like-minded peers on a similar journey. Many participants find a powerful sense of purpose working with rescue animals, and a renewed sense of belonging in a community.

  • Our Defence Families Programs are offered at select locations throughout the year. To find out more, visit our website for upcoming dates and locations. If you'd like to express interest in a Defence Families Program near you, reach out to our friendly Enrolments Team. 

    Our Intensive Programs run year-round at our Darwin (NT), Dakabin and Wacol (QLD) locations only. If you're based in any of these locations, simply complete our enquiry form here to express your interest in the program — or get in touch with our Enrolments Team using the contact details below.

    Call us on 1300 077 984

    Email us at hello@hphhfoundation.org