Healing Paws Community Visits in 2026 - Apply Now for Free Animal Wellbeing Experiences

RuffTRACK is thrilled to announce the launch of Healing Paws, a youth-led program designed to bring joy, connection, and positive engagement through animal wellbeing and performance. Thanks to generous support from Community Bank, five local organisations will receive free Healing Paws visits at the end of Term 1, 2026. This is a unique opportunity for schools, disability services, aged-care homes, hospitals, and community groups to experience uplifting interactions with trained young people and their friendly dogs.

What Healing Paws Offers

Healing Paws visits are designed to create meaningful moments through animal interaction and simple performances. Each visit is tailored to fit the needs of the host environment, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. The program focuses on:

• Animal wellbeing education delivered by trained youth

• Sensory-friendly interactions suitable for people with disabilities

• Companionship and connection for aged-care residents

• Gentle engagement to brighten hospital patient experiences

• Confidence-building activities for community groups

  
  

The dogs involved are carefully selected and trained to behave calmly and gently in public settings. They participate in audience-friendly demonstrations that highlight kindness and care.

Who Should Apply for Healing Paws Visits

Healing Paws is ideal for organisations that want to add a special touch to their community programs. Consider applying if your organisation fits one of these categories:

• Schools seeking animal care and wellbeing-focused engagement for students

• Disability services looking for sensory-friendly animal interaction opportunities

• Aged-care homes aiming to provide companionship and joyful moments for residents

• Hospitals interested in youth-led animal visits to improve patient wellbeing

• Community programs that benefit from calm, confidence-building sessions

  
  

Each visit is led by young people who are passionate about animals and community service. This youth-led approach adds an empowering dimension to the experience, inspiring both visitors and hosts.

How to Apply for a Free Healing Paws Visit

With only five free visits available, demand is expected to be high. Organisations interested in hosting a Healing Paws visit should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) as soon as possible. The application process is straightforward:

• Complete the online EOI form here (Choose Form Tab)

• Or contact RuffTRACK directly at marketing@rufftrack.com for more information

  
  

Applications will be reviewed to ensure the visits are matched to environments where they can have the greatest positive impact. We have not been able to provide specific feedback for each submission if the response is overwhelming.

Why Healing Paws Matters

Animal-assisted programs have been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and foster social connection. Healing Paws combines these benefits with youth leadership, creating a powerful community experience. For example:

• A school hosting a Healing Paws visit reported increased student engagement and empathy towards animals.

• An aged-care home saw residents become more animated and connected during dog visits.

• Disability services noted that sensory-friendly interactions helped clients feel calm and supported.

  
  

These visits are more than just entertainment—they build bridges between generations, abilities, and backgrounds through kindness and care.

Preparing for Your Healing Paws Visit

To get the most out of a Healing Paws visit, hosts should consider:

• Providing a quiet, safe space for the dogs and young handlers

• Informing participants about the visit schedule and activities

• Encouraging respectful interaction with the animals

• Sharing feedback after the visit to help improve future programs

  
  

RuffTRACK’s team will work closely with hosts to tailor the visit and ensure all safety and wellbeing standards are met.

Join Us in Bringing Healing Paws to Your Community

Healing Paws is more than a program—it’s a movement powered by kindness and youth energy. By applying for a free visit, your organisation can help foster joy, connection, and wellbeing in 2026. Don’t miss this chance to welcome Healing Paws into your community and experience the special bond between young people, animals, and those they serve.

Apply now to secure one of the five free Healing Paws visits and be part of this exciting journey.