NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines

What NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines does

NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 20-1850981) registered in Oregon that operates a national network of certified handler-canine teams deploying 24/7 to provide trauma-informed emotional support to people affected by crisis, trauma, or disasters and to the responders assisting them. The organization was founded in 1998 by Cindy Ehlers following the Thurston High School shooting and is credited with originating the Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) methodology; it has since responded to major events including 9/11 at Ground Zero, Superstorm Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Its core products are the Crisis Response Canine Strike Teams (free of charge) and a three-step training pathway — Get Started course, Canis Minor Mentorship (6-month hybrid program), and Competency Evaluation (2-day in-person) — that culminates in CCRT-CA certification renewable every three years, supplemented by PEER Support/CISM Certification and a Canine First Aid + CPR course.

The underlying technology combines a Kajabi-based hybrid distance learning platform for on-demand lessons, real-world practicums, and live virtual classrooms, with Salesforce.org used for deployment, training, and encrypted communications management, and Signal for end-to-end encrypted field communications. Underlying proprietary frameworks include the AACR methodology (incorporating polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and co-regulation techniques), the CARAT-based crisis canine selection criteria (24 characteristics), the National Standards for AACR (rev2010, open source), and the Canis Major/Canis Minor mentorship model. The revenue model is donation-funded for deployments and subscription/perpetual-license priced for training products ($60-$250 tiers), with merchandise as a secondary stream and no charge for the core response service.

Name

NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines

Legal name

NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines

Website

https://crisisresponsecanines.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit that deploys certified handler-canine teams across the United States to deliver trauma-informed crisis response support, while training new teams through a hybrid distance learning certification pathway.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Services

NAICS

Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Rescue, Transport & Emergency Animal Response (BPAGAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animal Health Emergency Preparedness & Outbreak Response (HLAMAJAD), Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Aid Volunteering (EDAIAGAF), Crisis Response & Threat Assessment (Suicide Prevention, Violence Prevention) (EDAJAIAH)

Keywords

• Crisis response canines
• Animal-assisted crisis response
• Trauma-informed support
• Disaster response training
• Crisis intervention services

Headquarters

HQ city

Oregon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 20-1850981), NATIONAL relies on donations from individuals, organizations, and community partners to fund operations and deployment readiness.
2. Training Program Subscriptions: Revenue from training course subscriptions including Get Started course ($60 for 90 days), Canis Minor Mentorship ($250 for 6 months), Canine First Aid + CPR ($74), and Competency Evaluation ($250). Subscriptions are non-renewing and self-paced.
3. Merchandise Sales: The organization sells merchandise through its website, shipping to US locations including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and US Virgin Islands. Sales tax is applied based on applicable state rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines operates a national network of certified handler/canine strike teams that deploy on scene to provide trauma-informed emotional support for people in crisis and the responders helping them. Services are requested by federal agencies, emergency response organizations, schools, humanitarian nonprofits, and mental health teams, and are delivered free of charge 24/7. The organization also runs a structured three-step training pathway (Get Started, Canis Minor Mentorship, Competency Evaluation) leading to CCRT-CA certification for aspiring crisis response canine teams.

Product overview

NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines offers a comprehensive suite of services centered around trauma-informed crisis response canine teams and associated training programs. The core offering is the Crisis Response Canine Strike Teams - certified handler/canine teams that deploy to provide trauma-informed support during critical incidents. These teams are supported by a structured three-step training pathway: Get Started (prerequisite course), Canis Minor Mentorship (6-month intensive hybrid program), and Competency Evaluation (2-day in-person trial leading to CCRT-CA certification). Additional offerings include Canine First Aid + CPR training, PEER Support/CISM Canine Response Certification, and infection control protocols. The organization operates as an all-volunteer nonprofit with teams deployed 24/7 across the United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Canis Minor Mentorship: Intensive hybrid training program where crisis response canine teams in-training are mentored by experienced teams while developing specialized skills needed to support people experiencing intense emotions after a crisis.
• Canis Major

Products and services

• Crisis Response Canine Strike Teams Certified handler/canine teams that deploy on scene to provide safe, trauma-informed support for people in crisis and the responders helping them. Available 24/7 to federal agencies, emergency response organizations, schools, humanitarian nonprofits, and mental health teams. Service is free of charge and provided by all-volunteer teams.
• Get Started Course

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces heart rate and blood pressure through human-canine interaction
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• American Red CrosscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary deployment partner that authorized deployments after 9/11 and continues to deploy crisis canine teams for mass casualty incidents. Collaborated on Exercise Home Run mass casualty drill in Florida. Recommends NATIONAL to other agencies.
• NOVA (National Organization for Victims Assistance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal deployment partner for founder Cindy Ehlers in 1998 following Thurston High School shooting. Provided first deployment opportunity for therapy dog Bear, leading to development of AACR methodology.
• FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency that authorizes deployments for catastrophic events. Adopted FIRESCOPE principles as Incident Command System for all-hazards incidents. FEMA EMI courses required for all certifications.
• ICISF (International Critical Incident Stress Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health. ICISF CISM training included in NATIONAL requirements for instructors, evaluators, and PEER Support certifications.
• Salesforce.orgcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides cloud-based technology platform for managing all aspects of deployments, training, and communications in a secure encrypted environment.
• TechSoup.orgsupportingTechnology or IntegrationConnects NATIONAL with technology partners and technology training programs for nonprofit operations.
• Sterling Verified VolunteerscoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides simple, fast, cost-effective criminal history background clearance verification for volunteers. Level 3 screening ensures safety of those served.
• SignalsupportingTechnology or IntegrationMessaging app providing top-tier privacy through default end-to-end encryption for text, calls, and media communications during deployments.
• NVOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers preparedness and response training. Promotes cooperation, communication, coordination, and collaboration among member organizations for more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
• NCTSN (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJointly developed Psychological First Aid (PFA) trauma-informed methodology. NATIONAL requires PFA training for all personnel responding to critical incidents since 2006.
• Medical Reserve CorpssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer-powered nonprofit providing medical care and emergency shelter. Crisis canine teams provide compassionate support to those receiving assistance and respite for volunteers.
• Salvation ArmysupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHumanitarian disaster relief nonprofit dedicated to meeting human need wherever, whenever needed. Crisis canine teams support their operations during disasters.
• Department of Justice, FBI, NTSB, SBAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agencies that authorize deployments for incidents within their jurisdiction such as transportation accidents, federal crimes, and federal disaster declarations.
• Pet Professional GuildsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides directory of aversive-free trainers to help handlers find positive reinforcement training resources for preparing crisis response canines.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• K9 Search and Rescue Teams (e.g., NASAR-affiliated groups): Network of volunteer K9 search and rescue organizations across the US. Comparable in the volunteer, canine-based emergency response space, though focused on disaster search rather than trauma-informed crisis support.

Direct peers

• Alliance of Therapy Dogs: A national nonprofit that tests, registers, and insures therapy dog teams for visits to healthcare, educational, and crisis-related facilities. Comparable in certification-driven therapy canine work and community-led GTM, though not exclusively focused on crisis response.
• Love on a Leash: A nonprofit organization that certifies therapy dog teams and supports volunteer-based animal-assisted interventions. Comparable in nonprofit, volunteer-driven canine certification model serving similar institutional clients.
• National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA): A national nonprofit providing crisis intervention, training, and advocacy for victims of crime and disaster. Directly comparable in crisis response training, deployment authorization, and victim advocacy, and was the original deployment partner for NATIONAL's founder.
• Therapy Dogs International (TDI): One of the oldest therapy dog registration organizations, TDI evaluates and certifies volunteer dog-handler teams for visits to hospitals, schools, and crisis settings. Comparable in certification structure and volunteer-based deployment model.
• Pet Partners: The largest therapy animal organization in the US, Pet Partners registers therapy animal teams (including dogs) for visits to hospitals, schools, and disaster settings. Directly comparable in the human-canine bond intervention space, though Pet Partners focuses broadly on animal-assisted activities and therapy rather than crisis-specific response.

Emerging players

• Pet Professional Guild: A membership-based organization promoting force-free dog training methods. Comparable as a partner supporting canine training standards and positive reinforcement practices relevant to preparing crisis response canines.

Broad incumbents

• American Red Cross: A large, established humanitarian organization that authorizes NATIONAL's deployments and provides disaster relief services. Comparable as a deployment partner and in delivering crisis response and disaster support, though the Red Cross operates broadly across many service lines rather than specializing in canine response.
• International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF): A larger, established nonprofit providing CISM training, consultation, and crisis intervention education to first responders. Directly comparable as a training and certification partner for NATIONAL, but operates as a broader behavioral health organization rather than a canine-specific provider.
• Salvation Army: A large, established humanitarian disaster relief organization that coordinates with NATIONAL during deployments. Comparable in emergency and relief service delivery, though it operates a much broader portfolio of social services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NATIONALCrisisResponseCanines
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nationalcrisisresponsecanines

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines