Illinois to Launch Certification Program for Law Enforcement Therapy Dog Teams

SPRINGFIELD — A new state law requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to create a certification program for law enforcement therapy dog teams by January 1, 2026. Signed by Gov. JB Pritzker earlier this month, Senate Bill 1491 directs the board to develop training for officers working with therapy dogs in crisis and emergency response situations. The program is intended to expand support for individuals in distress and enhance officer wellness, with certified teams to be deployed across the state as needed.