A wide-range of first responders including firefighters, paramedics, EMS, dispatchers, search and rescue and law enforcement answer the call to help and protect. Being on the frontlines can be physically and mentally challenging, and these everyday heroes often suffer from mental health challenges.
First Responder Therapy Dogs leads the way in addressing the mental health needs of first responders by providing emotional support using therapy dogs. Our goal is to provide this free service to as many first responders in as many locations across the country as possible. We provide this service in-the-field with a hands-on approach.
Research shows that therapy dog services positively impact this population's mental health issues. The use of therapy dogs has demonstrated the following outcomes:
“We are tasked with things that push us to our limits and having something like a dog brings some type of normalcy back into our lives. Having that comfort is absolutely therapeutic.”
John A., a firefighter in Marin County, CA
To become an official First Responder Therapy Dogs team the handler and dog must successfully complete our certification process. If you are interested, please email us to learn more about the process. Once certified, the team is issued an official First Responder Therapy Dogs vest, official First Responder Therapy Dogs ID credentials, and liability insurance. The team is now ready to visit first responders!
Contact Info@firstrespondertherapydogs.org or download the Therapy Dog Certification Application below.
Certification Process Updated 1:9:2023 (pdf)
DownloadOur therapy dog teams are available for service in Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Meet Winston (L), a first responder therapy dog working in Seminole County, Florida.
We appreciate any level of donation that works for you. Your donations will be used to provide specific programs and to support our mission and goals. With your tax-deductible contribution, we will continue to be a powerful tool in helping first responders take to the frontline.
Sign up to stay connected via our periodic e-newsletter, "Tails with Kerith." Kerith is the first therapy dog working with First Responder Therapy Dogs
For general information | Info@firstrespondertherapydogs.org 415-250-8107
First Responder Therapy Dogs, INC 2100 4th Street #C153 San Rafael, CA 94901
First Responder Therapy Dogs, INC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Tax ID #88-1386472.
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