Happy Paws Happy Hearts app for iPhone and iPad

PAWS IN NEED
Each year, tens of thousands of RSPCA animals spend time waiting to be adopted from a centre. They are provided with vital veterinary services and hands on contact from loving volunteers and foster carers. However, it can be difficult to find enough people to provide regular interactions while the animals are waiting to be adopted.

HEARTS IN NEED
A growing number of socially isolated Australians are hoping to reconnect with the world around them. However, it can be difficult to find meaningful social experiences that also restore self-confidence. Social interactions can become few and far between and getting out of the home or hostel can be a daunting occasion. Furthermore, many socially isolated Australians choose to go without a pet or have to surrender their animals because they are concerned about the long-term care needs.

The key benefit of Happy Paws Happy Hearts is that it provides everyone participating with a strong sense of purpose and the known therapeutic benefits of animal interactions. Participants gain confidence by knowing they help support animals in need and through the consistency in volunteering at the same time each fortnight. Participants get a wonderful sense of accomplishment knowing that their attendance helps animals get adopted faster.

LIFE ENRICHING INTERACTIONS
Happy Paws Happy Hearts was established to create positive social experiences by connecting the socially isolated with the RSPCA animals. Research shows that people who remain socially engaged have much higher levels of wellbeing and life expectancy.

Our caring volunteers are psychology students, carefully selected from the University of Queensland. These volunteers take a group of 10-14 people for half-day visits to the RSPCA facilities each fortnight. The group interact with the RSPCA animals, one another and with family or friends through sharing photos of their experiences.

The groups already engaging in these experiences include the elderly, people with mental and/or physical disabilities and women taking temporary shelter in safe hostels.