Bringing Comfort and Hope: How Pet Partners' Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Program Supports First Responders

During crises, stress and uncertainty can weigh heavily on those on the front lines. A calm, friendly animal can make a significant difference. Pet Partners’ Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) program provides vital comfort and emotional support in these challenging times. This program empowers specially trained volunteers and their therapy animals to deploy to areas in need, offering relief that only an animal can provide.

Supporting Firefighters During the Miller Peak Fire

In July 2024, AACR volunteers responded to the Miller Peak Fire near Missoula, Montana. This fire, which started on July 14, burned over 2,700 acres and required nearly 300 personnel to battle it. Containment remained difficult due to the fire’s size and the challenging terrain. The firefighters faced long days and tough conditions as they worked to keep the fire within containment lines.

For the 200 crew members stationed at the fire camp, AACR teams provided much-needed relief. After days of battling flames and enduring exhaustion, the firefighters found comfort in the therapy animals that brought them a moment of peace and a reminder of home.

Bethany and Breezy: Bringing Hope to the Frontlines

Bethany, a dedicated Pet Partners volunteer, had the chance to bring her therapy dog Breezy to visit fire camps in Montana. With both her husband and son working in fire services, Bethany felt a strong connection to the firefighters and command staff. When she and Breezy arrived at the incident command office, their impact was immediate.

“The smiles on everyone’s faces were heartwarming,” Bethany recalls. “They had been working 16-hour days for 10 days straight. They were all exhausted and missing their own animals. Breezy seemed to know who needed the most comfort.”

These visits offer more than just brief moments of interaction. For firefighters pushing through physically and mentally demanding work, a therapy animal can serve as a vital reminder of home and provide much-needed emotional relief. Bethany’s experience underscores the AACR program’s importance and its ability to uplift spirits in tough situations.

Audrey and Tuffy: A New Journey in Crisis Response

Another Pet Partners volunteer, Audrey, and her therapy dog Tuffy joined the AACR program less than a year ago. Living in western Montana, Audrey knew they might be called to assist at a fire camp, and she was eager to support those in need.

“The course was straightforward and informative,” Audrey shares. “It wasn’t too expensive, and it was nice to receive a backpack, polo, and jacket so we’re easily recognizable on-site.”

Audrey and Tuffy’s first deployment to a local fire camp was a success, bringing comfort to firefighters who had been away from their families for weeks. “It was lovely to visit with the firefighters as they came off the line,” Audrey reflects. “They thanked us and shared stories about their own dogs they hadn’t seen for a while.”

The Importance of AACR Certification

The AACR program goes beyond providing comfort in the moment; it’s about being prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. For volunteers like Audrey, obtaining AACR certification is both a responsibility and a privilege. It ensures that they and their therapy animals are ready to handle the emotional and logistical challenges that arise during crisis situations.

“Getting the AACR certification is one of those Catch-22 situations,” Audrey says. “You want the training, but you hope you don’t have to use it because that means it might be someone else’s worst day ever.”

However, when a crisis occurs, trained AACR teams ready to respond can make a significant difference. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a traumatic event, or a fire camp in the mountains of Montana, the AACR program ensures that emotional support is available when it’s needed most.

Make a Difference in Times of Crisis: Join the AACR Program

The stories of Bethany, Breezy, Audrey, and Tuffy highlight the profound impact that the AACR program has on those experiencing a crisis. For volunteers and therapy animals alike, this program offers a chance to provide comfort, support, and a reminder of home to those who need it most. If you’re interested in joining this vital program, consider becoming part of the AACR program through Pet Partners. Together, we can bring hope and healing to those on the front lines and beyond.