Dogs of various breeds sitting on a park bench, taking a pause from their crisis response training.

Get Started Course

In this self-paced program, with or without a canine partner, you’ll get a better understanding of the work of canine crisis response, start developing skills to help people in crisis, and learn if you and your dog might be a good fit for crisis canine response work.

A crisis response canine, a golden lab, being hugged by a rescue worker in need of emotional relief.

What You’ll learn

  • The fundamental concepts of crisis response canine work.
  • The level of effort and commitment you’ll need.
  • How to adapt to the hybrid distance-learning experience.
  • Whether the work of crisis response is right for you as well as for your canine.
Trainer outfits dog with crisis canine gear, including goggles, ear protection and harness.

Topic Areas Include:

Topic Areas Include:

  • FEMA Incident Command System.
  • Psychological First Aid.
  • Canine and Human First Aid and CPR
  • Confidentiality and Ethics for responders.
  • Communication technologies for responders.
  • Handling skills for crisis response canine teams.
  • Ethical canine partnerships.
  • And more.
Two dogs in a red helicopter during a crisis response training.

Learning Format

  • 15 on-demand and self-paced lessons, to be completed within 90 days.
  • Real world practicums in your community.
  • Guidance for earning certificates required for on-scene responders from NATIONAL’s learning partners.
Group of NATIONAL Crisis Response Canine teams gathered around a fire truck at the Orcas Island Fire Station.

Cost is $60

Get Started is “subscription-funded” and includes access to course materials for 90 days. While the subscription will not auto-renew, you may re-subscribe if you'd like. There may be additional costs, such as working with a local trainer or earning First Aid and CPR certificates.

Sign Up Here!