Someone thought you’d love it here.
The card in your hand came from someone who has found friendship, confidence and a sense of belonging, week after week, alongside animals in need. They thought you might find yours here too.
ABOUT HAPPY PAWS HAPPY HEARTS
From the top to the tail of Australia, almost 500 participants join our programs each week, caring for and training rescue animals as they wait to find their new homes, all while making new friends, learning and growing side by side.
Our weekly programs bring people together with animals in need, and together they create meaningful moments of connection and belonging.
Hands-on, real-world learning. Build skills that grow confidence and independence and carry into life beyond the program, from teamwork and social connection to communication and work readiness.
A purpose that matters. The care and time you give helps animals in need feel calmer, happier and more ready for their new homes.
Belonging and connection. A welcoming and inclusive space that meets each week, where people feel seen and heard, and are excited to continue their journey alongside you.
GOT A CARD?
Easy steps to get started
Someone thought our programs might be something you'd enjoy and be interested in joining. This is a chance to learn more about who we are and what we do.
Learn about our programs
Explore our in-shelter programs and hear from current participants about what a week with us looks like.
Explore in-shelter programs →Make an enquiry
Fill in the short enquiry form, give us a call, or email us using the contact details below. A participant, family member, guardian or support worker can enquire on your behalf.
Go to the enquiry form →Have a chat
Our team will be in touch to learn a bit about you, answer your questions, and walk you through programs, funding and next steps.
Come along to an orientation session
Join a General or Group Orientation Session. Visit the space, meet the people and animals, and see what a session feels like.
GAVE A CARD?
For our pawsome ambassadors
You're a big part of what makes every session special, and of the care animals in need receive while they wait for their new homes. Your experience is the best introduction anyone could ask for, so these cards are a little way to help you share it with the people in your world who might love it too.
Grab a few cards
Pick up a small stack from your location. Keep them in your wallet, bag or phone case so they're handy when the conversation comes up.
Share with someone who'd love it
Think of a friend, a peer from another group or community program you attend, a family member, a support worker, or anyone you know who might enjoy connecting with animals in need and with others, while learning and growing at the same time. Write your name in the space on the card before you hand it over, so they know who it's from.
We'll say thank you
When the person you've shared a card with enquires and comes along to a Group Orientation Session, you'll receive a thank-you gift.
A thank-you gift for every new face
Every time someone you've shared a card with enquires and attends a Group Orientation Session, we'll thank you with a little gift.
Sharing tips
- Talk about what you enjoy most: the people, the animals, the things you do in session, or some of the ways you've grown since you started.
- Share with people you think would enjoy and benefit from the program, rather than handing cards to everyone. Let's save the trees!
- Run out? Ask your HPHH program trainer for more, and share some of the conversations you've had.
Families and support networks
- Parents, carers and support workers are welcome to share cards too.
- Know someone who'd be a great fit? Point them to this page or the enquiry form.
- Questions about a referral? Call us on 1300 077 984.
- Support workers and support coordinators who'd like to formally refer a new participant can contact partnerships@hphhfoundation.org.
PAWSOME AMBASSADOR THANK YOU GIFT TERMS
The thank-you gift is available to current, in-session Happy Paws Happy Hearts participants.
To be eligible to receive a gift, the person you've referred must be new to Happy Paws Happy Hearts, complete our enquiry process, and attend a Group Orientation Session. Your referral must be recorded.
The new person mentions your name when they enquire or when our team gets in touch. One gift for each eligible new person you refer. We'll let you know when your gift is ready to collect from your location
Gifts are not exchangeable for cash. Gifts are paid for by Happy Paws Happy Hearts.
Paid support workers and support coordinators are welcome to share cards, but they aren't eligible for gifts. We may change or end this program at any time. Gifts already earned will still be honoured.