Animal-Assisted Crisis Response

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Service and therapy animals are integral to the daily lives of millions of Americans. They guide the blind, alert deaf people to environmental sounds, and perform tasks to support those with physical and psychiatric challenges. They motivate patients in physical, occupational, or psychotherapeutic sessions and make friendly visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and other community settings.

The Role of Animals in Crisis Intervention

A lesser-known but vital role of therapy animals is their contribution to disaster response. Animal-assisted crisis response (AACR) teams, composed of specially trained therapy animals and their handlers, provide vital emotional support during some of life’s darkest moments. An animal’s gentle nuzzle or reassuring presence can soothe survivors and first responders alike. Several national and regional nonprofit organizations, including HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and Pet Partners, can deploy AACR teams on short notice and at no cost to crisis survivors.

FEMA and the American Red Cross have invited AACR teams to deploy to mass casualty disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse. However, AACR teams also respond to local tragedies. For example, they visit schools after the deaths of students and teachers and support workers in high-stress settings, such as the Florida Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Jeanne Hooke is the Vice President of HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and sits on the organization’s Board of Directors. She explains, “Our dogs are not political, and they don’t point their paws. They provide quiet, unconditional love, which is exactly what people in crisis need.”

People experiencing crises may feel overwhelmed, frightened, and confused. In these moments, AACR teams provide unique emotional support. Therapy animals and their human guardian-handlers, who are trained in Psychological First Aid, impart a nonjudgmental presence and aim to create calm amid chaos.

Jesse Haas is the National Director of Programs for Pet Partners, a therapy animal organization with an AACR division. She notes that these special teams are often deployed to help communities rebuild after a crisis. “We’re there as people try to put their lives back together. For example, we’ve partnered with insurance agencies at disaster recovery sites, where our animals provide comfort to people dealing with the aftermath of fires and other disasters.”

Interestingly, Pet Partners’ AACR program isn’t limited to canines. Haas shared, “People in some environments, like schools, might benefit from smaller animals, such as rabbits or guinea pigs, particularly when children are involved. These animals can offer a unique kind of comfort to those who may feel intimidated by larger dogs.”

Differences Between AACR and Traditional Animal-Assisted Interventions

AACR differs from traditional animal-assisted interventions in several ways, particularly in training requirements and deployment settings. While conventional therapy animal teams visit local community settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, on a fixed schedule, AACR teams respond at short notice – within hours or days – to unexpected traumatic events.

Jeanne Hooke of HOPE AACR says, “Crisis response dogs are like the SWAT team of therapy dogs. We can be sent to chaotic deployments, such as mass school shootings or FEMA shelters after hurricanes, where the environment is anything but predictable.”

HOPE AACR’s therapy dog teams may be deployed to emergencies far from home, requiring plane or car travel and extended hotel stays. On the other hand, Pet Partners’ AACR teams are more likely to respond to crises in their local communities. Representatives from both organizations agree that guardian-handlers must prioritize their animals’ well-being during deployments. Jesse Haas of Pet Partners states clearly: “Your responsibility, first and foremost, is to your pet.”

The Importance of Training and Certification

Training and certification are critical to ensure that AACR teams can handle high-stress environments. Dr. Yvonne Eaton-Stull, associate professor of social work at Slippery Rock University and AACR subject matter expert, has written extensively about AACR and co-authored Animal-Assisted Crisis Response National Standards in 2010. She states, “We need common standards and expectations to maintain professionalism and legitimacy in this field. Without them, we risk doing more harm than good in crisis situations.”

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Jeanne Hooke explains the rigorous selection process for HOPE AACR teams, which includes mock crisis environments to test a dog’s temperament and a handler’s ability to manage challenging situations. “We simulate a chaotic Red Cross shelter to see how the handler and dog react to people in crisis,” she explains. “Only those who pass are invited to our intensive workshop.”

Dr. Marivic Dizon, a volunteer guardian-handler, affirms the rigorous training required for AACR teams. “HOPE’s three-day workshop is intense. It includes role plays to prepare us and our dogs for emotionally charged environments, like fire stations and airports. The goal is to ensure we can navigate complex scenarios while supporting our dogs and the people we’re helping.”

The Benefits and Impact of AACR

The immediate benefits of AACR are clear: therapy animals provide a calming presence during and after deeply distressing events. Studies show that interacting with AACR dogs can lower survivors’ stress, reduce their anxiety, and foster a sense of emotional safety.

Long-term benefits are equally significant. According to Dr. Dizon, “AACR helps bridge the gap between immediate crisis response and long-term emotional recovery. It promotes resilience and fosters social connections, making it easier for survivors to engage with professional support systems.”

Conclusion

As AACR continues to evolve, organizations like HOPE AACR and Pet Partners are leading the way by setting high standards and demonstrating the profound impact these teams can have on survivors, first responders, and entire communities. Whether through a dog’s gentle snuggle, a rabbit’s soft fur, or a handler’s reassuring presence, AACR reminds us that healing presence comes in many forms… and may have paws.