More About
HOPE Animal-Assisted
Crisis Response
• HOPE AACR is the first organization certify-
ing Animal-Assisted Crisis Response teams.
• We have certified crisis response teams in
five regions, covering 30 states.
• We encourage affiliations with first response
and disaster relief agencies.
• Teams participate in drills and continuing
education training.
HOPE AACR Regions
HOPE AACR has five established regions covering
30 states.
Pacific Northwest - Washington, Oregon, Idaho
Pacific Southwest - California, Nevada, Arizona
Rocky Mountains - Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah,
Colorado
Eastern Region - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Kentucky,
West Virginia, Virginia
Southeast Region - Tennessee, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
• Our training program utilizes trainers who are
experienced crisis responders.
• Teams are trained in stress management for
humans and canines.
• Teams are active with formal Animal-
Assisted Activities Therapy organizations.
• Teams are covered by $1 million in liability
insurance.
Contact our Regional Directors by email:
Eastern Region
eus@hopeaacr.org
Pacific Northwest Region
pnw@hopeaacr.org
Pacific Southwest Region
psw@hopeaacr.org
Rocky Mountain Region
rmr@hopeaacr.org
Southeast Region
ser@hopeaacr.org
Local Contact Information:
HOPE ©
Terra
Esperanza Fire Base Camp, CA - 2006
HOPE ©
Brinkley
Virginia Tech - 2007
HOPE
Animal-Assisted Crisis Response
“Our mission is to provide comfort and encouragement through animalassisted support to individuals affected by crises and disasters.”
Our Goals Are:
• To train a nationwide network of certified canine-
assisted crisis response teams to respond to local
and national crises and disasters.
• To assist first responders and relief agencies in
providing comfort to those affected by crises or
disasters.
• To provide the highest-quality training for our
crisis response teams.
“...HOPE provides wordless warmth, quiet comfort, and a brief respite for those affected by crises. Our dogs have been described as having
Seeing Hearts...”
HOPE ©
Ginger
Virginia Tech - 2007
• HOPE AACR is an all-volunteer, national non
-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
• Our crisis response teams provide comfort and
encouragement to people whose lives have
been affected by crises and disasters.
• Teams consist of a handler and their dog,
trained to respond to intense emotional and
environmental situations.
• Animal-Assisted Crisis Response is based on
scientifically proven benefits of the humananimal bond.
• HOPE AACR teams are available to assist in
recovery from crises and disasters, assist mental health professionals on location, and are
prepared for unpredictable situations. Teams
can travel by various modes of transportation,
and are available on short notice.
A Brief History:
Since September 2001, HOPE AACR teams have
responded to the aftermath of crises and disasters,
from individual traumas to large scale emergencies.
Our response teams have comforted people after
school shootings, hurricanes, fires, transportation
accidents, the loss of first responders, and more.
Teams have worked with local and national response agencies, such as FEMA, NOVA, American
Red Cross, as well as fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and schools.
HOPE AACR
Certification Process
The HOPE AACR certification program is intended to train experienced animal-assisted therapy teams, and individuals without dogs. The
process includes:
• Informational meetings are held in each region to help people learn more about volunteering with HOPE AACR.
• Applicants are screened before being accepted for training to help determine if they
have aptitude for crisis response work.
• Qualified applicants are eligible to attend a
three day certification training workshop,
where they will receive comprehensive training in animal-assisted crisis response. Training topics include: crisis communication
skills, stress management, crisis response
protocols, canine behavior and welfare, and
field training with emergency responders.
• Successful completion of the certification
workshop is required to become a member.
• Teams are required to maintain their skills
through continuing education training and
participation in crisis response drills.
HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response
1292 High Street, #182
Eugene, OR 97401
877-HOPE-K9s
info@hopeaacr.org
www.hopeaacr.org
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
Tax ID #93-1330180
Copyright © 2003-2008
HOPE AACR
Rev G
HOPE ©
Duke
Norton Evacuation Center, CA - 2003