The LAFD Canine Therapy Program

Beyond the exhausting physical rigors of their workload, firefighters also endure significant stress and trauma. To help alleviate stress, anxiety, and even PTSD, the LAFD recently initiated its Canine Therapy Program.

Canine therapy dogs can be deployed to critical incidents and situations to help firefighters manage the heavy stress and emotions they experience as a result of the tragic incidents they frequently encounter. These specially trained dogs comfort firefighters in times of crisis and make coping with trauma a bit easier.

Currently, the LAFD has a single therapy dog to assist all 3,500 firefighters. The LAFD Foundation’s goal is to raise $30,000 in funding to secure an additional therapy dog. Donations will help cover training costs for an additional dog, plus medical care, and general needs of both dogs for the first year of this program.