Across schools, Paw Pals uses therapy dogs and trained facilitators to support students facing barriers to learning, helping them reconnect with confidence, focus, and possibility.
Learning does not always come easily, especially for students navigating anxiety, disrupted home lives, or challenges that make the classroom feel overwhelming. In Paw Pals sessions, something shifts when a calm therapy dog enters the room. A hesitant student finds the confidence to complete a critical Year 12 assessment, a young person who once stayed silent begins to participate after forming a bond with a dog, and a quiet group grows confident enough to present together.
Led by trained facilitators, Paw Pals creates safe, structured spaces where students can regulate their emotions, build trust, and re‑engage with learning at their own pace. With thousands of sessions delivered across Victoria, the program is helping students strengthen social confidence, focus on academic tasks, and feel more at ease at school. These small, meaningful moments add up, changing school journeys and helping learning feel possible again.
A critical Year 12 assessment with therapy dog support
A student in his final year had reached a standstill. He had refused to complete an essential VCAL assessment, knowing that without it he could not finish Year 12. Despite several attempts by the school to support and persuade him, he remained firm in his decision and disengaged from the process.
The school reached out to the Paw Pals program for extra support. Through calm conversation, the student was given space to talk through his choice and what it might mean for his future, particularly his employment options. Together, a simple plan was made. Therapy dog Billie would sit with him while he worked on the assessment.
With Billie beside him, the student was able to complete the task. What had once felt impossible became manageable, and the assessment was finished successfully.
A young person begins to participate after bonding with a dog
When this young person first joined the sessions, they barely spoke. They found it hard to engage and struggled to take part in any learning. For a long time, sitting quietly was all they could manage.
Over time, therapy dog Mango became a steady presence for them. They began by noticing her, then slowly interacting with her. From there, they started to respond to the Paw Pals education facilitator and take part in small activities.
The change didn’t happen all at once, but it was clear. The quiet withdrawal gave way to connection. It showed how a calm, non‑judgemental dog can help a young person feel safe enough to begin engaging, when words alone aren’t enough.
A quiet group becomes confident presenters
When Paw Pals first began working with the group, the students were very quiet. They kept to the back of the room and rarely spoke. Their teacher hoped Paw Pals could help them feel more confident and willing to engage.
Over the eight weeks, the sessions became a familiar part of their routine. Therapy dog Zanna was always there, calm and steady, and the students slowly became more comfortable speaking and participating.
At the final session, the Paw Pals education facilitator asked the group if they would like to walk around the school with her and Zanna. The idea was to visit classrooms, introduce Zanna, explain the Paw Pals program to other students, and share a few simple tips about how to meet her safely.
The students surprised everyone. They spoke clearly, introduced Zanna with confidence, and moved through the school with ease. Their teacher later said she couldn’t believe this was the same group of students who had sat quietly in the back weeks earlier. Seeing them speak to the wider school community went far beyond what she had expected.
Zanna played a big role in that change, offering gentle support while helping students build confidence, communication, and social‑emotional skills through positive school experiences.
About the Paw Pals Appeal
For some students, school feels overwhelming. MacKillop Family Services’ Paw Pals therapy dogs and trained facilitators create a calm, safe bridge back to learning - building trust, confidence, and engagement. From 20–24 April, every donation is doubled (2×). Join our Paw Pals Appeal as we aim to raise $201,000 to support more children across Victoria. Your gift helps fund resources, training, and the care that keeps therapy dogs and facilitators helping children thrive.
