Start your year by making a pawsitive difference to theirs
This new year, young people aged 12 to 17 are invited to kick their year into gear by leaving a pawsitive pawprint on a rescue animal.
Hearts and Paws: The Holiday Experience is a three-hour, hands-on session at Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre. Young people learn how animals think, communicate and learn, and spend real time with the dogs and cats in care. They finish by making a positive difference for an animal waiting for their forever home.
Session details
Dates available: Tuesday 5, 12 and 19 January 2027
Times: Morning 9:00am to 12:00pm, or afternoon 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Duration: 3 hours
Location Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre |
Ages: 12 to 17
Cost": $207 per session ($69 per hour). Funding available: NDIS, SLES and/or private/self-funding
Each session is a one-off, three-hour experience, and morning and afternoon sessions cover the same topics. Young people are welcome to come back on another date if places allow.
What happens in a session
Paws and Introductions
Meet the trainers, the group and the animals.
Tail Talk: Reading Body Language
Learn how dogs and cats communicate, and how to respond with care and respect.
Treat School: How Dogs Learn
Discover how reward-based training works, and put it into practice with plenty of treats.
Be Your Pet’s Hero
Explore responsible pet ownership and what great everyday animal care looks like.
Second Chances: The Rescue Story
Step into the world of animal rescue, and find out why a second chance means so much.
Leave Your Pawprint
End the session by making a positive difference for a dog or cat in care.
Why this program is special to people and paws
Many of the dogs at Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre are long-term residents. Time with young people gives them the engagement, mental and physical stimulation, and gentle training they need to build adoptable behaviours and improve their chances of finding a new family.
Young people leave knowing they’ve helped an animal take a step closer to their forever home, and often feeling a little more confident themselves. Here are just a few of the shelter residents you could expect to meet (unless they get their Christmas wish and find a family before then)!
Who it’s for
The program is open to young people aged 12 to 17 who love animals, or are curious to learn more pet ownership and about animal rescue centres & the importance of second chances. No experience is needed, as trainers guide every step.
It’s an active, hands-on program that involves moving around the centre with the animals, so it suits young people who enjoy being on the go and are building their independence. Young people are welcome to bring a support person along. If you’re not sure whether it’s the right fit, our team is happy to chat it through.
How to book
Enquire: complete the enquiry form below, call 1300 077 984 or email hello@hphhfoundation.org. Places are limited to 5 people per session so don’t miss out!
Have a chat: our Participant Experience team will be in touch within a few business days to talk through the details.
Book your place: choose your date and session time. Places are limited.