For some children, school can be a source of fear and anxiety but Paw Pals therapy dogs are helping transform classrooms into welcoming spaces where students can feel supported, calm and ready to learn. Source: MacKillop Family Services.
Delivered by MacKillop Family Services, Paw Pals supports children who have experienced distress, disrupted schooling, anxiety or behavioural challenges that make traditional school environments overwhelming.
Many children referred to the program have faced repeated exclusion or prolonged disengagement from education.
Paw Pals takes a different approach to education. Rather than focusing first on academic outcomes, the program prioritises emotional safety, trust and wellbeing.
Through structured sessions led by specialist educators and trained therapy dogs, Paw Pals has supported more than 1700 children in Victoria to regulate their emotions, build relationships and experience learning in a calm, supportive setting.
“A classroom can feel unsafe or simply too overwhelming for some children,” Brona Walsh, from MacKillop Family Services, said.
“Paw Pals meets children where they are. The presence of a therapy dog helps lower anxiety and build trust, creating the emotional safety children need before learning can begin,” Ms Walsh said.
The program helps children develop emotional regulation, social skills, communication and school readiness. Educators report improved attendance, greater willingness to engage in learning tasks, and stronger relationships between children and staff.
Paw Pals has shown particular impact for children with complex needs who might otherwise spend long periods disengaged from education, increasing the risk of isolation, disadvantage and poor long-term outcomes.
Despite growing demand, Paw Pals relies on community support to continue and expand its work. Funds raised through the appeal during the month of April will directly support trained therapy dog teams, specialist staff and program delivery, ensuring more children can access this life-changing support when they need it most.
A special boost round this week – that ends today – will see donations up to $30,000 to the Paw Pals appeal doubled, thanks to the program’s supporting partners, including iCare Staffing and Catholic Development Fund.
Details and donations: Paw Pals Appeal 2026.
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Paw Pals Appeal helps struggling children find a safe path back to learning (MacKillop Family Services)
