The Human–Canine Partnership in Animal-Assisted Crisis Response: A Welfare-Centered Perspective

Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is a specialized form of crisis intervention in which trained handlers and therapy dogs provide emotional support following crises and disasters. Although previous research has examined AACR, less is known about the contribution of the human–canine partnership. This study explored the human–canine partnership and its perceived role in effective crisis response and canine welfare. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews and demographic surveys. Twenty-one crisis responders participated, and interview data were analyzed using Charmaz’s grounded theory approach. Findings suggest that participants perceived a highly trained handler, a carefully selected dog, and the quality of their partnership as important components of effective AACR practice. Canine welfare emerged as a fundamental component of the human–canine partnership, with participants emphasizing the handler’s role in recognizing canine stress cues, safeguarding welfare, and cultivating a strong partnership with the dog. Although bringing a dog to a crisis scene presents practical challenges, participants also described benefits for the team and improved engagement with trauma survivors. These findings support conceptualizing AACR as a welfare-centered human–canine partnership in which handler expertise, canine suitability, and attention to welfare are perceived as important components of effective and ethical crisis-response practice.