Happy Paws Happy Hearts tackles two of Australia’s pressing social problems
Happy Paws Happy Hearts is closing the gap on Australia’s social isolation problem through the love of animals.
In Australia, 1.1 million people experience social isolation or exclusion. At RSPCA alone, over 124,000 animals are waiting for adoption every year.
Creating positive change for the people in our community and rescue animals, the programs offer unique animal care, handling, and training, designed to give participants a rewarding personal development experience as they nurture and care for shelter animals and prepare them for adoption.
Co-founder and CEO Zoe Black says the initiative, which was designed to solve two social problems at the same time, is complimenting the RSPCA’s Animal Care Centers around Australia, allowing for expanded programs to continue tackling social isolation on a wider scale.
“We have seen a growing demand for HPHH programs both in-person and online. We believe more people are seeking out support now because the pandemic has left most of us feeling like we were at tipping points and overwhelmed on a regular basis,” Zoe says.
“Our participants support rescue animals in their recovery while working on their own personal goals. People and animals in need connecting creates a win-win for our community.”
Participant and volunteer, Chaya says they joined Happy Paws three years ago to work with animals and meet new people.
“It’s helped me so much with my anxiety and I’m more confident and independent now,” Chaya says.
“I’m trying things I’ve never done before.”
Happy Paws Happy Hearts is aiming to support more people experiencing social isolation as they prepare to upgrade their training facilities and expand their reach across various locations. Currently, Happy Paws Happy Hearts have locations across Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Find out more about Happy Paws Happy Hearts and the social impact of their programs by visiting www.hphhfoundation.org.
Assets available HERE.
For interview opportunities with Happy Paws Happy Hearts Co-founder and CEO, Zoe Black, please contact:
Rachel Horan | rachel.horan@hphhfoundation.org | 0480 393 775
About Happy Paws Happy Hearts
Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) began in 2014 when co-founders Zoe and Graeme had an amazing idea to take their foster dogs to visit socially isolated family members. From the first visit, they saw the instant connections formed, and how these interactions brought a smile to the faces of people and animals alike.
Since then, HPHH has grown into a national program, rehabilitating animals, and people across Australia. Working hand in hand with the RSPCA and with the support of our amazing partners, HPHH provides a community for vulnerable people to come together and share a mutual love of animals, learn new skills, and give back in a meaningful way. It also provides much-needed support to many rescue animals waiting for adoption in Australia.
Education and connection happen within the context of a larger community. Our approach takes participants out of the training room and into shelters and wildlife sanctuaries, ensuring participants have the necessary support, environment, and “hands-on” opportunity to do their best development and learning.