17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers Celebrate Illinois’ Historic Crisis Response Therapy Dog Certification Program
ROCKFORD, Ill. – The 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers applaud a historic
milestone for Illinois as the state becomes the first in the nation to establish a standardized
certification program for law enforcement crisis response therapy dog teams.
Created through Senate Bill 1491, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on August 1, 2025, and
effective January 1, 2026, the legislation directed the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and
Standards Board (ILETSB), in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, to develop the
nation’s first Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program.
The certification is a comprehensive 24-hour, three-day program designed for existing therapy
dog teams working alongside law enforcement. The curriculum includes classroom instruction,
field exercises, scenario-based evaluations, and final handler-canine team assessments. Training
incorporates Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) principles, co-response strategies, peer support
techniques, and advanced canine handling to ensure teams are prepared to assist individuals
experiencing trauma while maintaining the safety of both the public and the therapy dogs.
On April 22, 2026, eleven therapy dog teams representing seven Illinois agencies made history
as the program’s inaugural graduating class. These certified teams are now eligible for
deployment through ILETSB’s statewide mutual aid system, allowing them to respond anywhere
in Illinois during critical incidents, natural disasters, school tragedies, and other emergencies
requiring trauma-informed support.
For organizations like the 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers, this statewide
certification represents an important advancement in the growing recognition of therapy dogs as
an essential resource within the justice system.
For years, the 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers have provided compassionate support
to victims, children, witnesses, jurors, and families navigating the court process in Winnebago
and Boone Counties. Their volunteer teams help reduce anxiety, provide emotional comfort, and
create a more supportive courthouse environment during what are often some of life’s most
difficult moments.
While the new state certification does not replace established volunteer courthouse therapy dog
programs, it complements them by creating a statewide network of specially trained crisis
response teams available for emergency deployments, victim assistance, officer wellness, and
community outreach. Together, these programs strengthen Illinois’ ability to provide traumainformed
care in both courthouse and emergency response settings.
“The recognition of therapy dogs through a statewide certification program highlights the
tremendous value these teams bring to individuals experiencing trauma,” said representatives of
the 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers. “We are proud to be part of a broader movement
that recognizes the important role therapy dogs play in supporting victims, families, and
communities throughout Illinois.”
Many of the newly certified therapy dogs also reflect another inspiring Illinois success story,
having been trained through the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Tails of Redemption program,
where rescued shelter dogs are trained by individuals in custody before serving communities
across the state.
As Illinois continues to lead the nation in integrating therapy dogs into public safety and the
justice system, the 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers remain committed to providing
compassionate support to those who need it most while celebrating this significant advancement
in crisis response and victim services.
About the 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers
The 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dog Volunteers are dedicated to providing emotional comfort
and support within the Winnebago County Courthouse. Their certified volunteer therapy dog
teams assist victims, witnesses, children, families, jurors, and court staff by helping reduce stress
and anxiety while promoting a more compassionate court experience.