Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) – Crisis intervention with animal assistance

Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is a specialized form of support in which animals and their handlers are used as part of a team providing immediate psychological first aid to people affected by a crisis situation. The aim of AACR is to stabilize, calm, and provide emotional support to people in acute stress, trauma, or coping with the aftermath of extraordinary events.

AACR teams consist of a professionally trained handler (animal guide) with knowledge of crisis intervention and a specially trained animal – most often a dog – capable of working in demanding, often chaotic and emotionally challenging conditions. These professionals work after natural disasters, accidents, violent incidents, or other crisis events.

AACR is not a substitute for professional psychological or medical assistance, but provides a valuable form of emotional support that can facilitate initial contact with help, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of safety and humanity in critical moments.