Deploy | Crisis Response Dogs

Deploy a Crisis Response Dog

This page is for professionals and partner organisations to make an enquiry or referral for the deployment of Crisis Response Dogs.

All requests are reviewed to ensure:

Appropriate use of the service
Safety and welfare of people and dogs
Alignment with safeguarding and partnership protocols

Crisis Response Dogs do not replace clinical care or emergency services and are deployed in conjunction with existing professional support.

Choose the Appropriate Enquiry Type:

Please select the option that best reflects your needs. Providing accurate information helps us respond safely and effectively.

1. Urgent Referral

For time-sensitive situations where immediate, short-term support may help reduce distress or support emotional regulation.

This option is intended for:

Acute distress situations
High-pressure or critical incidents
Environments where rapid, calming support may be beneficial

Complete form: Urgent Referral – Crisis Response Dog Deployment – Fill in form

Important: This is not an emergency service. If there is immediate risk to life, emergency services must be contacted first.

2. Short-Notice Referral (but not Urgent)

For planned support where deployment is needed.

This option is suitable for:

Anticipated periods of increased distress
Planned interventions or support activities
Short-term projects or pilot deployment

Complete form: Short-Notice Referral (but not Urgent) Crisis Response Dog Deployment – Fill in form

3. Planned / Long-View Deployment

For forward-planned deployments and longer-term collaboration.

This option is appropriate for:

Ongoing or repeat deployments
Pilot programmes
Service development or partnership work
Community or organisational wellbeing initiative

Complete form: Planned / Long-View Deployment - Crisis Response Dogs – Fill in form

4. Request a Talk, Seminar, or Professional Session

For organisations seeking education or awareness-raising rather than deployment.

This option is suitable for:

Professional briefings
Training days or wellbeing events
Seminars on trauma-informed practice and human–animal connection
Awareness sessions for staff or volunteers

Complete form: Request a Talk, Seminar, or Professional Session – Fill in form

What Happens Next

All enquiries are reviewed by the Crisis Response Dogs team
We may contact you for further clarification before confirming availability
Deployment decisions are based on appropriateness, capacity, safeguarding, and dog welfare

Submitting a form does not guarantee deployment, but every enquiry will be considered carefully.

Professional Responsibility Statement

Crisis Response Dogs work in partnership with trained professionals and organisations. The service is designed to complement existing support and does not replace statutory, clinical, or emergency responsibilities.

All referrers and partner organisations remain responsible for:

Overall risk management before, during, and after deployment
Safeguarding of individuals, staff, and volunteers
Maintaining appropriate professional oversight throughout the deployment
Ensuring the environment is safe and suitable for both people and dogs

For deployments involving a partner organisation or local authority, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) provided by Crisis Response Dogs must be agreed in advance of deployment. The MoU sets out:

Roles and responsibilities of all parties
Information sharing and confidentiality arrangements
Safeguarding expectations and escalation procedures
Clear boundaries of the Crisis Response Dog role

Download a copy of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Crisis Response Dogs also complete our own risk assessment for each deployment. This is undertaken in collaboration with the referring organisation and considers:

Environmental and situational risks
Dog and handler welfare
Control measures and deployment conditions
Named professional contacts on site

Download a copy of our Risk Assessment

Crisis Response Dogs will only deploy where appropriate safeguards, professional presence, and risk management arrangements are confirmed. We reserve the right to decline or withdraw deployment if safety or welfare concerns arise at any stage.

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Professional Responsibility Statement

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