At the October 11, 2025 Open House, we were pleased to have on hand First Responder Therapy Dog Kerith and her handler Heidi Carmen, who works closely with Blue, the San Rafael Police Department’s therapy dog.
First responders routinely face some of the most stressful and emotionally taxing situations in public service. Whether responding to a structure fire, a medical emergency, a violent incident, or a traumatic community event, police officers and firefighters must quickly absorb intense experiences and transition immediately back to operational readiness. Over time, this level of chronic stress can take a significant toll on mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.
First Responder Therapy Dogs have emerged as an invaluable resource in supporting police and fire personnel as they navigate these pressures. Unlike traditional service animals, therapy dogs are specially trained to provide emotional comfort and stress relief in high-impact environments. Their presence alone can reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, and promote a sense of calm — physiological responses that are especially beneficial following difficult calls or during prolonged incidents.
But their role goes far beyond comfort. Many agencies now integrate therapy dogs into their peer-support, wellness, and critical incident stress management programs. After a traumatic event, a therapy dog can help responders engage more openly in debriefings, lowering the emotional barriers that often prevent personnel from seeking support. The dogs are also used proactively, visiting stations and dispatch centers to provide ongoing morale-boosting interactions that help reset stress levels before they accumulate.
Community engagement is another significant benefit. When therapy dogs accompany officers and firefighters at public events, they help foster positive interactions, build trust, and humanize those who serve. For young people in particular, therapy dogs create a safe and welcoming bridge to meeting first responders.
In a profession where mental resilience is as essential as tactical skill, First Responder Therapy Dogs have become an integral part of modern wellness programs. They remind responders — and the communities they protect — that emotional health is not only important, but deserving of dedicated support. As more agencies recognize the profound impact these animals can have, therapy dogs are rapidly becoming a standard and deeply valued component of police and fire service culture.