Efforts to improve mental health at the Windsor Police Service will now include biweekly visits from therapy dogs.
It's a partnership with St. John Ambulance which offers therapy dogs to first responder agencies across Canada.
The dogs are trained to offer affection and comfort to people in high-stress environments.
"We hope that regular time with these therapy dogs will have a positive impact on our members and alleviate some of the stress and anxiety they experience on any given day," said Police Chief Jason Bellaire.
The visits could start at the end of July. Arrangements will be made to accommodate officers with allergies, phobias, and other aversions to animals.
"It is a recognized fact that time with a therapy dog provides numerous benefits to those experiencing stress, anxiety, or pain," said the head of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Unit 1202 and Chief Lesley Smith. "I know the pressures and demands on the officers continue to grow -- and if our teams can support those doing this difficult job, even just for the short time that we are together, then our partnership will be a complete success."
The teams also visit retirement, nursing and long-term care residents, hospitals, schools, and businesses across Canada. Last year, Windsor-Essex therapy dogs logged over 350 visits to more than 250 facilities.
