Community
15 September, 2025
Love for animals thrives
PORT Douglas State School year 5 and 6 students have been volunteering their time at Paws and Claws as part of an initiative designed to give students the chance to give back to the community while also building empathy, compassion and responsibility through real life experiences.
Nationwide 400,000-plus animals enter shelters annually, with 82,000 animals a year in Queensland.
Paws and Claws, the Douglas Shire’s animal shelter, and the school have come to an agreement with an initiative to have their senior students volunteer their time helping with general care and babysitting duties of the orphaned animals.
School principal Doug Barnes said the program was valuable and beneficial to students.
“Students have, not only learned how to support the service, but have also gained valuable knowledge about caring for animals,” he said.
“Each visit has helped them grow in confidence around animals while showing high levels of kindness and compassion.”
Students visit three times throughout the term, with each 90-minute session rotating between different activities.
Schoolteacher Jelena Edmons said each visit had “been just as engaging as the last, with students eager to learn new skills and contribute in meaningful ways”.
“They have thrived and excitement levels have been through the roof,” she said.
“The students have shown gentleness and care around the animals while taking on board everything the staff at Paws and Claws have shared.
“Many students have enjoyed the experience so much that they have returned on weekends with their families to walk dogs and show them what the service is all about.
“It’s clear that both the students and the animals have enjoyed the program.
“The students are always buzzing with happiness when it’s time to return and they have learned to be patient, kind and gentle around animals.
“Parents have given glowing feedback about their child’s involvement, praising the positive impact it has had on their families.
“We are very grateful to the amazing staff at Paws and Claws for their patience, guidance and generosity in providing such a meaningful opportunity for our students.”
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