TOR Therapy K9 requests are accepted exclusively from law enforcement agencies

MEET THE K9S

IN THE FIELD

Since 2023, the Tails of Redemption program has successfully placed nine certified Therapy K9s. As we deepened our partnerships with local shelters, we began noticing something important: many exceptionally affectionate, social, and well-suited dogs were being overlooked. We recognized their potential and their strong community compatibility. In response, our program expanded to rescue not only dogs that are traditionally harder to place, but also those we believed could thrive in therapy dog training. 
Dogs certified through TOR have since been placed with law enforcement agencies across the state, where they continue to make a meaningful difference every day. 

CCSO- TOR and ILETSB Announce the Nation’s First Statewide Law Enforcement Therapy Canine Certification

First of its Kind

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Tails of Redemption Program (TOR), in partnership with The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) have established the nation’s first formal Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program.

The program provides standardized certification for trained therapy canine teams supporting crisis response, peer support, and community engagement- while reinforcing Illinois’ nationally recognized leadership in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training.

CIT Crisis Response Therapy K9 Certification

Inaugural Certification Class

Eleven Therapy K9 teams participated in the first State of Illinois CIT Crisis Response Therapy K9 Certification course through ILETSB. These teams came together, each bringing dedication, professionalism, and a shared commitment to advancing this critical field. 
These graduating teams are now part of a mobilized Therapy K9 initiative developed by CCSO and ILETSB- prepared, equipped, and ready to respond to large scale crisis across the state of Illinois. 

Therapy K9 Request