Austin’s holiday season may bring cheer, but for some first responders it can also bring memories of past trauma. The Austin Police Department’s pet therapy team, now in its third year, is stepping up to help officers cope with the emotional toll of their jobs.
Expansion of the Program
Director Courtney Leigh, whose position is grant-funded, has guided the team from a small start to a robust operation. “Tonka has always been very special. He’s always been calm and wonderful natured. Even when he was young,” Leigh said. “And this is Faith. She’s a 9-and-a-half-year-old blind and deaf Great Dane employed by the Austin Police Department.” Leigh’s enthusiasm has driven the program’s growth, and she hopes to keep the role long-term.
Team Composition and Operations
The team now consists of 19 dogs and 10 handlers, some of whom manage multi-dog households. “We are a team of 19 dogs now and 10 handlers. Some of us are multi-dog households,” she said. The handlers coordinate visits to different precincts, often covering multiple locations in a single day. “We have more teams now to go to different locations, even multiple locations in one day. And more of the department has learned we’re a thing and the benefits we’re getting requested more and it’s really wonderful.” The dogs, including Tonka and Faith, accompany officers during tough shifts and at 911 call sites, providing comfort and a moment of respite.
Mental Health Impact
A 2024 study from the National Institute of Health found that one in seven officers worldwide suffer from PTSD. Leigh notes that officers often request the team’s presence after especially hard calls. “We would get calls from the sergeants that their shift had a really tough shift and could really use some dogs, and we’ll show up with dogs and donuts and make them smile,” Leigh said. “We’ll also go the 911 call enter and the work they do is amazing and they could also really use the help and they’re amazing so we’ve also gotten some special request calls as well.”
The presence of the dogs has become an integral part of the department’s support system, offering a tangible way to reduce stress and foster camaraderie among officers who routinely face traumatic incidents.
Future Goals
Leigh hopes that more central Texas agencies will adopt similar programs. “We would love to see more agencies in central Texas take this approach,” she said. By expanding beyond Austin, the pet therapy model could provide broader mental-health support for first responders across the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Austin Police Department’s pet therapy team has grown to 19 dogs and 10 handlers in its third year.
- Director Courtney Leigh has been instrumental in expanding the program, citing the calming presence of dogs like Tonka and Faith.
- A 2024 NIH study highlights that one in seven officers worldwide suffer from PTSD, underscoring the need for supportive initiatives.
The team’s continued expansion demonstrates a growing recognition of mental-health needs among first responders, offering a compassionate and practical solution during the holiday season and beyond.
