The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provides funding to support law enforcement agencies and fire departments to acquire, train and maintain therapy dogs. The therapy dogs aid in treating peace officers and firefighters suffering from job-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and assist in responding to calls involving persons in crisis.  

Dog therapy programs for first responders are recognized as vital tools for enhancing mental health, resilience and community relations. The integration of therapy dogs into law enforcement agencies and fire departments provide:

1. Comfort and Resilience: First responders often face high-stress situations, leading to increased rates of mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety and depression. Studies and initiatives, such as those highlighted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mental Health America, show interactions with dogs can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and increase oxytocin levels, which help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
2. Support for Law Enforcement: Police departments are increasingly adopting therapy dog programs to support officer wellness. Programs like those in the Woodbury Police Department and Pinole Police Department introduced therapy dogs to provide emotional support during and after traumatic incidents, enhancing officers' ability to cope with the demands of their work. The IACP's research underscores the role of dogs in building resilience among officers, making them better equipped to handle stress.
3. Community and Victim Support: Therapy dogs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between law enforcement and community. They are used to comfort crime victims, reduce the trauma experienced during investigations and foster positive community relations. The FBI's Therapy Dog Program and various police department initiatives demonstrate how therapy dogs help in calming crime victims and improving their interaction with law enforcement.
4. Positive Public Perception: Therapy dogs can significantly improve the public's perception of the police. As seen in cases like the introduction of Otis, a therapy dog in Woodbury, these programs not only support officers and victims but also enhance community trust and engagement, which are crucial for successful law enforcement. 

Agencies that received funding