paws4people®️

Crisis Response Teams

paws4people Crisis Response Dogs (CRD) are trained to work with first responders such as firefighters, police officers, or EMTs.

Providing Support in  Emergency Situations

paws4people’s Crisis Response Program is an animal assisted intervention focused on providing support to individuals affected by trauma and crisis. The dogs are trained to provide comfort in emergency situations both at the place of work (department, office, hospital, etc.) or at the scene of the emergency. They are trained to ride in an emergency vehicle and be transported to the scene to ease the distress of anyone affected by the trauma.

Benefits of paws4people Crisis Response Dogs

Crisis Response Dogs can benefit those that have been affected by trauma in multiple ways. Some personal benefits include aiding in de-escalation of stress post-calls for first responders, increasing oxytocin secretion therefore reducing arousal and anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and more.

Some community benefits include using CRDs during or directly following a traumatic event to reduce stress and creating a positive external locus of attention during traumatic events.

Our Story

2024

Novant Health’s Mobile Integrated Health team received paws4people Crisis Response Dog, COLEMAN. COLEMAN and his handler Kayla Coleman will work together to help emergency workers cope with the stress and trauma that is an inevitable part of their work.

COLEMAN will serve within the Novant EMS department as a mental health and wellness resource for first responders and healthcare professionals.

2021

paws4people partnered with WFD and began the Crisis Response Pilot Program. Now in 2024, paws4people has placed five Crisis Response Facility Dogs within the Wilmington Fire Department.

Along with the Fire Department, Crisis Response Dogs can work at various locations within the community, some of which include schools, hospitals, Sheriff’s offices, and more.

2017

paws4people placed a CRD named POTTER with New Hanover/Pender County District Attorney Ben David. POTTER works with victims in pre-trial preparations, attends trials with victims, and works with the staff inside the District Attorney’s office mitigating workplace stress and trauma.

What Others Have to Say

"Together, JETHRO and Josh will work together to help battle the mental health stressors that firefighters face every day in their line of work. JETHRO will help personnel as they process emotions from tough calls and will be there to support the community through difficult and traumatic situations. "

Lt. Josh Baltz & JETHRO

"COLEMAN will help emergency workers cope with the stress and trauma that is an inevitable part of their work. He will also provide deep pressure therapy to lower cortisol levels and boost serotonin, which is a critical part of ensuring successful de-escalation from trauma and stress."

Kayla Coleman & COLEMAN

"POTTER is a great asset for the District Attorney’s office. POTTER is able to bring comfort to victims of crime both in the office, and in the court room during trial. He puts these individuals at ease, allowing Ben and office staff to help guide them through the trial process much easier. He is also a big help in improving staff morale, providing comfort to office staff who often are confronted daily by upsetting and, often times, devastating crimes."

Ben David & POTTER

"As a CRD, EMBER responds with the Fire Department to emergency scenes, and provides a positive memory from a traumatic experience to those who suffer loss from fires or natural disasters. EMBER provides emotional support for the responders who deal with loss and trauma on a daily basis. EMBER also helps spread awareness of both p4p and fire safety during her daily interactions with the public."

Nathan McConnell & EMBER