PAWS – Pet Assistance and Wellbeing Service

Help older people care for their pets.

Many older people are provided with support, friendship and care by their furry companions. Our In Home Support team experiences these friendships on a daily basis.

So, what happens when an owner becomes frail or unwell and is unable to care for their pet in the same way they used to?

It’s during these times that Northside’s Pet Assistance and Wellbeing Service (PAWS) can provide support.

The Northside team works with pet owners to provide pet walking, transportation to and from the vet and health appointments and feeding and grooming. Our volunteers and program partners work together to ensure clients need not worry about the wellbeing of their pets during difficult times.

If you would like to volunteer your time or know someone you know may benefit from this program, please contact our intake officer on 02 6171 8000.

Did you know pet owners:

• visit the doctor less often and use less medication
• on average, have lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• recover quicker from illness and surgery
• are less likely to be lonely

Supporting the PAWS program

Like many community programs, Northside relies on volunteer support and donations to ensure the successful operation of the PAWS program. All donations received for the PAWS program are put directly back into operational costs which include vet bills, pet food and registration.

Donations can be made at Northside Community Services reception, or by calling 02 6171 8000 during business hours.

Northside Community Service is proud to partner with several key organisations within the ACT to deliver PAWS.

Northside Community Service is a LGBTIQ.DIRECTORY partner.