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    • Happy Paws Happy Hearts

      Help rescue animals while building new and stronger connections. This heart-warming program is designed specifically for veterans, current serving Defence members, and their families. 

      Details

      Price:
      Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland

      Eligibility:
      Current or ex-serving Defence members and their families

      Details

      Price:
      Free – proudly funded by RSL Queensland

      Eligibility:
      Current or ex-serving Defence members and their families

      An experience your family will love 

      Animals truly are good for the soul – and as Happy Paws Happy Hearts’ Defence Families Program shows, they can also do wonders for your relationships.  

      This free eight-week program is a unique opportunity to help rescue animals, make new friends and bond with your family.

      By learning to train the animals together, you’ll not only help them get adopted; you’ll also learn to strengthen your connectedness, communication skills and self-confidence.

      Happy Paws Happy Hearts logo
      Background Image

      The whole time it just felt like I was becoming a part of that community... that felt really special.

      - Eloise,

      Army veteran and Reservist

      Register for an upcoming event

      If no programs are currently available, you can register your interest for future events through the Happy Paws Happy Hearts website.

      Event Image
      Friday, 1 August 2025 - 19 September 2025 | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
      Defence Families Program - Happy Paws Happy Hearts
      berrimah

      In partnership with RSL Queensland, Happy Paws Happy Hearts will be running a free Defence Families program for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. 

      Families joining this unique 8-week group program will learn animal training skills while working with the shelter animals in the care of RSPCA Darwin. Along the way, families build strategies for better communication and cohesion and engage with other participants and the broader community. 

      The program runs every Saturday from 1.00pm – 3.00pm at the at the RSPCA Darwin Shelter, 80 Boulter Rd, Berrimah NT 0828. 

      Register now

      Find out more

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