About Crisis Response Dogs
Crisis Response Dogs was established in response to a growing need for more acute, trauma-informed therapy dog support within crisis and high-distress settings.
As demand increased for therapy dog visits in more complex and emotionally intense situations, it became clear that additional training, structure, and safeguards were required to ensure support could be delivered safely, ethically, and in partnership with existing services.
The service is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and is managed by Cariad Pet Therapy, which has over eight years’ experience delivering therapy dog visits across Wales in a wide range of community, health, and wellbeing settings. The Crisis Response Dogs Project Lead and founder of Cariad Pet Therapy, Robert Thomas, identified the need for specially trained volunteer handlers who could work alongside their dogs in crisis-responsive, trauma-informed environments.
This included recognising the increased emotional demands of the role and the importance of robust volunteer training, ongoing support, and clear safeguarding frameworks.
Crisis Response Dogs was therefore designed to operate in conjunction with partner agencies, complementing professional services while maintaining high standards of welfare for both people and dogs.
The project prioritises collaboration, clear boundaries, and ethical practice to ensure that therapy dog support remains appropriate, effective, and sustainable.
The Benefits of Crisis Response Dogs
Crisis Response Dogs provide calm, grounding support during moments of emotional distress. They work alongside trained handlers and existing services to help people feel safer, more settled, and better able to engage with support during or after a crisis.
Crisis Response Dogs are not a replacement for clinical care, emergency services, or therapy. They are a complementary, humane intervention that supports emotional regulation and connection at critical moments.
How Crisis Response Dogs Help
Immediate Calm and Grounding
Dogs naturally support emotional regulation through their presence. Gentle interaction with a calm dog can:
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Reduce feelings of panic and overwhelm
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Support slower breathing and heart rate regulation
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Help individuals feel more present and grounded
This can be especially valuable during acute distress, when verbal communication may feel difficult.
Non-Judgemental Support
Crisis Response Dogs offer quiet companionship without expectation, pressure, or judgement. For many people, this makes it easier to:
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Accept support when they feel overwhelmed or withdrawn
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Feel seen and comforted without needing to explain how they feel
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Experience connection in a safe, non-intrusive way
Supporting Emotional Regulation
Interaction with a Crisis Response Dog can help people:
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Shift out of a heightened “fight, flight, or freeze” state
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Re-engage with their surroundings and with professionals supporting them
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Feel steadier during transitions, waiting periods, or difficult conversations
This regulation can make it easier for other forms of help to be effective.
Why Crisis Response Dogs Matter
Moments of crisis can feel isolating, frightening, and overwhelming.
Crisis Response Dogs offer something simple but powerful: calm presence, connection, and support in the moment it is most needed.
By helping people feel safer and more regulated, Crisis Response Dogs support pathways to further help, recovery, and hope.