Child hugging a black Labrador wearing a blue bandana during an outdoor event on a sports court.

Professor Paws

Changing young hearts – and lives – in China

It’s a typical day in a Chinese classroom when a dog pads in gently. Children’s eyes light up. For many, it’s their first safe, positive encounter with a dog.

This is Professor Paws – Animals Asia’s interactive education program that’s helping reshape how the next generation sees animals.

Meeting the ‘professors’

Over four weekly sessions, friendly registered therapy dogs – our canine ‘professors’ – visit schools to help children build confidence, empathy and trust. Pupils learn how to approach dogs calmly, interact with them kindly, and understand their needs.

By the final class, students graduate as proud Care Cadets, having gained new skills and a meaningful connection with animals they may have once feared.

Golden retriever therapy dog wearing a blue bandana sitting with people in a library setting.
Group of schoolchildren in yellow and blue uniforms with a dog and handler on a classroom stage.
Children in blue shirts sitting and interacting with a dog wearing an Animal Asia bandana outdoors.
Brown poodle wearing a blue Animal Asia bandana giving a paw to a person on a tan sofa.

Changing hearts, shaping futures

For children who’ve grown up seeing dogs as dangerous or dirty, Professor Paws opens a whole new world. The dogs become trusted companions and conversation starters. Teachers often remark how shy students find their voice through the dogs, speaking more confidently and openly.

The benefits go beyond the classroom. Studies show animals help children develop social skills, resilience and problem-solving skills. And when children learn to care for a dog, they begin to view all animals through a more compassionate lens.

Inspiring a culture of compassion

Professor Paws doesn’t just teach children to love dogs – it changes the way people think and feel about all animals. By introducing compassion for animals at an early age, we’re creating a future where they’re respected, protected and loved.

Launched in Hong Kong in 2004, Professor Paws now runs in four mainland Chinese cities – Chengdu, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Nanning – where it’s also part of community-wide events promoting responsible animal guardianship.

Group of people sitting in a circle indoors interacting with a corgi wearing a blue therapy dog bandana.
Student in a yellow and blue uniform gently petting a greyhound dog during a classroom activity.
Child holding a Professor Paws Pet Cadet Programme folder in a classroom with other children in blue shirts.
Large group of students and staff posing on a school playground with therapy dogs and Animal Asia banners.

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Every wagging tail in a classroom is made possible by people like you. Your support helps us find more therapy dogs, reach more schools, and inspire the next generation to care.