Therapy Animals

Therapy Animals Australia, based in Bundoora, Victoria, specialises in training dogs to provide emotional support, therapeutic engagement and practical assistance across a wide range of settings. They deliver tailored training programs that are customised to meet the needs of each person and their dog, with an emphasis on strengthening the pet–owner bond and maximising engagement. Their offerings include therapy dog training, assistance dog training and general dog training such as puppy training, loose‑lead walking, recall, separation anxiety management and emergency stops. They run specialist programs designed for communities and workplaces — PAWS in Schools and PAWS at Work — aimed at promoting mental health, wellbeing and supportive intervention strategies for students, staff and employees. Clients include people of all ages and those with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, autism, learning support needs, speech delays, dyslexia, rehabilitation needs and aged‑care support, as well as high‑stress environments that benefit from animal‑assisted intervention. The organisation highlights a personalised approach, community engagement through social media and local initiatives, and a focus on practical outcomes that improve quality of life and independence for individuals who work with their dogs. The team has recently grown as demand increased, reflecting their expanding local presence and community connections.