The Trauma Dog Project

The Trauma Dog Program provides victims of crime or sudden tragedies with access to the comfort of a trained Labrador Retriever, named Dandy. Trauma Dogs provides a calming and grounding experience for victims.

Dandy and her handler attend group debriefs, court preparation meetings and processes, case management meetings, community outreach events and more. Sessions with Dandy can take place at the VST office, police station or another safe location including the client’s home.

Who Can Access the Program?

Priority clients for the Trauma Dog Program are:

• Children age 2-12 (with parent/guardian consent)
  • whose parent/guardian or other family member has died
  • or who are a victim/witness as a result of a crime or sudden tragedy
• Youth age 13-26
  • who are a victim/witness of crime or sudden tragedy
• Adults
  • who are a victim/witness of crime or sudden tragedy
  • who are vulnerable and/or experiencing extreme trauma and anxiety as a result of the crime or tragedy
  • Other clients as needed

For more information about the Trauma Dog Program, contact us today.