FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 14, 2026
CONTACT
PTB.Media@Illinois.gov
ILETSB Launches Dedicated 24/7 Line for Illinois’ State-Certified CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canine Program
The only state-certified public safety therapy canine program in the nation now offers a single point of contact for communities requesting support
Springfield, IL — The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) and the Cook County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) today announced the launch of a dedicated 24/7 callout line and email address for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program, making it easier than ever for schools, first responders, local governments, businesses, community organizations and residents across Illinois to request the support of certified crisis response therapy canine teams.
Whether responding to a critical incident, supporting a community after a traumatic event, or assisting local wellness initiatives and public engagement as team availability permits, these certified therapy canine teams are available to serve communities across Illinois.
“This program exists to support people when they need it most—whether that follows a tragedy or simply during moments when a comforting presence can make a meaningful difference,” said Sean Smoot, Chairman of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “By establishing a dedicated number and email, we’re making it easier for communities throughout Illinois to access this unique resource whenever it is needed.”
The announcement also reinforces Illinois’ national leadership in public safety therapy canine standards. ILETSB’s CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program is the only state-certified therapy canine program in the United States. Established under Public Act 104-0106 and developed in close collaboration between ILETSB and CCSO, the program certifies therapy canine teams specifically for public safety and crisis response, ensuring they meet rigorous standards designed for deployment in schools, disaster response, law enforcement, victim services and other sensitive environments.
Certified CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canine teams are available to assist organizations like Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors (IL COPS), supporting families of fallen officers when needed, alongside their primary mission to aid communities, schools, first responders and public safety agencies across Illinois during critical incidents, and traumatic events.
Unlike civilian therapy dog certifications, ILETSB certification was created specifically for law enforcement agencies and co-responder units, and reflects the specialized training, evaluation and operational readiness required to serve communities during both routine outreach and crisis response.
Therapy canine teams may be requested for a wide range of situations, prioritizing critical response and accommodating other events as team availability permits, including:
- Critical incidents and crisis response
- School support following traumatic events
- Community healing events
- Public safety outreach and engagement
- Wellness events for first responders, students and community members
- Other community events where therapy canine support may provide comfort and connection
Request a Therapy Canine Team
24/7 Call-Out Line: 773-67-4DOGS (3647), Option 9
Email: CITIllinoisTherapyK9@Illinois.gov
The callout line is monitored around the clock to ensure requests are received and routed appropriately, allowing certified therapy canine teams to respond whenever communities need them—on a "blue sky day," during a crisis, or anywhere in between.
For additional information about the CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program, visit the program website or contact the program through the dedicated call-out line or email listed above.
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About the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is the state agency mandated to promote and maintain a high level of professional standards for law enforcement and correctional officers. Its purpose is to promote and protect citizen health, safety, and welfare by encouraging municipalities, counties, park districts, State-controlled universities, colleges, public community colleges and other local governmental agencies of this state and participating State agencies in their efforts to upgrade and maintain a high level of training and standards for law enforcement personnel.