Learning that is engaging, hands-on and meaningful.
Explore our program offerings to support students (age 12+) to care for rescue animals, build confidence, responsibility and the everyday skills that carry back into school, home and life beyond.
Hands hold paws.
Paws hold hearts.
Sometimes the best learning happens when students move out of the classroom and into real-world context, in our case, at animal rescue and training centres. At Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH), they care for, train and support animals on their journey to finding their new home. In return, those animals offer connection and belonging without judgement.
That's where a journey of confidence, empathy and development begins.
WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD
Transferable skills and values
Each week, young people show up to help care for rescue animals through feeding, grooming, enrichment, play and games.
Reading and understanding animal body language, learning to listen and adapt their own behaviour, which carries into how they connect with others.
Trying new things in new environments, in a place where it's safe to have a go and celebrate small wins together.
Working through real tasks together.
Building the life skills to do things for themselves.
Finding steadiness in their week, with time to decompress in a safe space alongside animals and peers.
“All students have come out of their shells and are showing their true personalities. The group get along well and have laughed a lot together. It has been incredibly beautiful to witness.”
“I hoped the animals would give my daughter a safe anchor while she navigated new social situations. Most of all, I hoped she would find her people. The shift in her confidence is the thing that stands out most. She is genuinely a different person. When Nat started, she needed me there as a support person. Now she drives herself and walks in independently.”
Ways to join
Find the right fit
There's more than one way young people can be supported through HPHH programs.
Young people age 12+
Weekly programs
Small-group sessions each week over a term (or however long they choose to attend)
Hands-on animal care, training and enrichment
Experienced, encouraging trainers
NDIS
Private funding
Young people age 12+
School holiday programs
A few days of hands-on fun and learning to continue learning and engagement throughout holiday period.
A great way to try HPPH programs before committing to weekly programs
Available locations: Hunter Valley and Toowoomba
NDIS
Private funding
Schools · Years 7 to 10 · Bespoke
School group programs
A small group of students from one school attend programs offered between 8-12 week durations
Social and emotional growth through hands on learning to support school engagement and skill building
School funded
Years 10 to 12 and school leavers
Explore Employment Pathways Program
Real-world skills and work readiness
Build the skills and confidence to support your future (whether that is within or outside the animal care industry), while supporting the future of animals who need a second chance.
SLES
NDIS
Private funding
WHAT A HPHH SESSION LOOKS LIKE
A safe place to learn, grow and find belonging
Sessions are small (no more than 8 participants) structured and supported by professional HPHH Program Trainers and our incredible volunteers. Participants are also able to join with the support of a carer, family member or support worker/coordinator.
Each week in our programs is different, with curated learning modules to support hands-on activities. One week participants might groom a dog getting ready for adoption, go out on perimeter/campus walk with dogs, learning how to safely handle them, prepare enrichment for cats or other shelter animals, help with feeding and care, or learn simple training, always alongside experienced trainers.
There are quiet spaces to take a break when needed, and every person engages at their own pace.
Small groups with experienced, qualified trainers
Quiet spaces to pause and regulate
Clear routines, so everyone knows what to expect
Working with Children checks and child-safe practices
“It was a new environment; new people and I didn’t know what to expect. I never used to be as social. I know what it’s like to be the person everybody looks at and thinks there’s something wrong with you. It’s the same with these dogs, and its why I connect with them. Now HPHH is my social space and I have even made new friends outside of sessions. ”
FOR FAMILIES
Getting started is simple!
- Get in touch
Fill in our enquiry form using the button below, call us on 1300 077 984 or email hello@hphhfoundation.org.
- Have a chat
Our Participant Experience team will give you a call within a few business days, so keep your phone handy. We'll chat about your young person's interests and goals, and the programs that could suit.
- Come and see
If a program sounds like the right fit, we'll invite you to visit a location, meet a trainer and, of course, an eager animal, to get a feel for a session.
- Start!
We'll send you the paperwork to join a weekly program, or the program that best suits your enquiry.
FOR SCHOOLS
Support students’ learning and engagement alongside animals.
If you have students in mind who could benefit from hands-on learning alongside rescue animals, we'd love to hear from you. A few hours away from the classroom each week, students continue to learn, engage and grow, building confidence, independence and social skills.
Programs are shaped with your wellbeing or inclusion team, with clear information on safety, supervision, risk assessment, outcome measurement and cost per student.
- Groups of 5 or more students, one day a week for 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your preference
- Information you can share with participants and families
ENQUIRE TODAY
Tell us a little about who you are and what you're interested in, and we'll be in touch.
Prefer to talk?
Call 1300 077 984 and our friendly Participant Experience Team will be happy to help!