Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
Therapy Canine Program
We believe in the strong and meaningful relationship between dogs and people and how the human-animal bond impacts the health and wellness of our community.
Our Therapy Canine Program primarily serves the agency’s employees and the first responder community in Hamilton County. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to serving our communities, and our Therapy Canine team is available for interactions aligned with the program’s mission, schedule permitting.
These are a few interactive visits our Therapy Canine Program offers to provide emotional connection and comfort via the power of the human-dog connection in the community.
Canine Care Visit
The handler and canine partner visit patients, their families, and associates at various healthcare facilities such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes. (*Note that most hospitals and healthcare facilities have their additional requirements. The facility must approve visits before they are fulfilled.)
Classroom Canine Visit
The handler and canine partner visit with students in a classroom setting. Research shows that therapy dogs can help reduce anxiety and improve focus and attention span. Therapy dogs serve as a calm presence and allow children to work to improve literacy, comprehension, and communication with a nonjudgmental listener. (Please note that a visit must have approval from the school administrator.)
Community Canine Connection Visit
Community partners are encouraged to submit an interest request for outreach events with a similar mission to our Therapy Canine Program. We know that the benefit of connecting with a therapy canine can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and overall stress levels while increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Happy humans are a daily part of our mission.
Critical Incident Canine Visit
Following a potentially serious or critical event, our Therapy Canine Handler and Canine Partner can respond to assist individuals who may be processing grief, following natural disasters, or experiencing other circumstances in the community. (Please note that while our handlers are trained first responders, they are not mental health counselors.)
Schedule a Visit
Please complete an interest form if you would like to invite our Therapy Canine and Handler to a single-day in-person event at your location. The interaction length will depend on the type of visit and will be at the discretion of the Therapy Canine Handler.
To allow us time to plan for the event, we ask that you submit your request at least two weeks before the desired visit date, if possible. We understand that a Critical Incident Canine Visit request may not allow for two weeks in advance and we will make every effort to accommodate such requests.
Completion of this interest form does not confirm that we will be able to partner with you. Someone will contact you within 72 hours of receiving the interest form from the Therapy Canine Program.
Our handlers are committed to ensuring positive interactions for their dog and the recipients. Interactions with the dog are voluntary for each individual participant, with an understanding that while the dog is a “hypoallergenic” dog (has hair, not fur), there may still be a risk of an allergic reaction. It is important to remember that a therapy dog is an animal & as such, can be unpredictable. The dog has received training and is generally gentle and affectionate; however, scratches, jumping, mouthing, and unwanted kisses are possible.
Program Contact: Sgt. Ryan Cornett, Supervisor and Handler
