What is Companions on Paws?

Age Concern Horowhenua are bringing the finest four-legged fur-friends to your home to provide all of the face licks you can ask for!

Companions on Paws, is a new service where our Visiting Service Coordinator matches older people across Horowhenua with a suitable canine companion and their owner to visit them in their home.

This unique service for older pet lovers who may be feeling isolated and lonely in their home and are unable to own a pet, or may have lost one recently.

Risks Of Loneliness & Social Isolation

Loneliness and social isolation is a known risk factor for health problems like cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, and lowered resistance to infection and can adversely affect an older person’s mental, emotional and physical health. Research in New Zealand shows that many people demonstrate great health improvement through simple interactions with animals.

Research says that weak social relationships influence health as much as smoking and alcohol consumption, and more than obesity and physical inactivity.

About Our Volunteer Visitors & Furry Friends

All of our canine companions are temperament tested by an experienced professional, on a variety of situations they may face whilst they are visiting in the community.

Our visitors are police checked and fully trained, and come from a variety of backgrounds and ages, but all are excited to introduce you to their furry friends and share the comfort and joy they bring.

We will always find the perfect pooch for you!