SPRINGFIELD — The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. In an effort to increase the number of therapy dogs available during times of crisis, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen spearheaded Senate Bill 1491 through the Senate.

“Therapy dogs have the ability to help reduce stress-induced trauma, bringing instant comfort and relief,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill helps officer wellness and provides the communities officers are serving with certified therapy K-9s to help those in a time of need.”

Senate Bill 1491 requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to create a training course and certification program for certified therapy dog teams specializing in crisis and emergency response. The bill aims to provide Crisis Intervention Therapy dogs so that at any given time an officer can easily respond to an event or request a visit.

“The passage of Senate Bill 1491 symbolizes a significant advancement in promoting officer wellness and enhancing the utilization of certified therapy K-9s throughout Illinois. This legislation is essential for expanding our capacity to provide critical care for individuals in crisis,” said Jennifer Wooldridge, deputy director of operations of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “Furthermore, it guarantees that all communities within Illinois will have access to properly trained K-9s and their handlers.”

Senate Bill 1491 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

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