First Responder Therapy Dogs
Our Mission
First Responder Therapy Dogs leads the way in addressing mental health needs of first responders by providing emotional support with the use of trained therapy dogs.
Our goal is to provide this free service to as many first responders across the country as possible.
First Responder Therapy Dogs, INC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Tax ID #88-1386472.
Why It's SO vital
First responders are our everyday heroes, bravely facing immense physical and mental challenges. Yet, within this community, there's often a stigma around seeking help. That's where First Responder Therapy Dogs steps in, offering a compassionate, stigma-free mental health tool: the unwavering support of a trained therapy dog.
From firefighters to paramedics, dispatch centers, law enforcement, and search and rescue personnel, these brave individuals often confront extreme stress, PTSD, depression, and even suicidal impulses. Our therapy dogs provide the emotional support they need to navigate these intense experiences.
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A New Approach to Mental Health Support for First Responders
In the high-stress world of first responders, traditional tools like time-off and incident debriefs often fall short. That's where we come in. At First Responder Therapy Dogs, we provide a simple yet powerful solution: trained therapy dogs offering emotional support directly to on-duty heroes.
Imagine a moment of calm amidst chaos, a smile breaking through the tension. Our 400+ certified therapy dog teams, spanning 46 states, are dedicated to making this a reality. From Alabama to Wisconsin, we're on a mission to reach every corner of the country.
Why therapy dogs? Because they work. Research shows they reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood—helping first responders focus on their communities while caring for themselves.
We have been named a CNN Hero! Check it out!
The CNN Hero award is an annual CNN initiative recognizing and celebrating "everyday people" who are making extraordinary, positive contributions to their communities and the world. We couldn't be more honored to be recognized and acknowledged.