Hering, Andrea

Andrea Hering is a highly regarded expert in canine-assisted interventions, specializing in trauma recovery and resilience enhancement with the use of specialty trained canines. With over 15 years of dedicated experience in the field, she has earned a distinguished reputation for training, assessing, and deploying specially trained dogs in crisis settings.

Her broad experience includes working in conjunction with certified handlers and canine teams following traumatic events. Andrea has also created Animal-Assisted Crisis Response programs and facility initiatives. She is a passionate advocate for the human dog connection and possesses deep knowledge of dog behavior and training methods.

In addition to her canine training initiatives, Andrea collaborates with educational institutions and community organizations to develop comprehensive intervention
strategies tailored to individuals experiencing intense emotions after traumatic events. She frequently conducts workshops and seminars to raise awareness about the benefits of canine-assisted interventions and advocates for its inclusion in resilience and recovery efforts.

In 2015, Andrea played a key role in establishing the Tri-State Crisis Response Team, an organization that utilizes crisis response canines. Building on this foundation, she cofounded Crisis Response Canines (CRC) in 2018, which focuses on supporting first responders through Critical Incident Stress Management initiatives, utilizing highly trained and experienced handlers alongside their canine partners. Her efforts prioritize the well-being, training, and elevation of standards for both the canines and handlers and organizations that work with crisis response canines.

Under Andrea’s leadership, CRC has developed a nationwide network of certified crisis response canine handlers and their canines. Over the past decade, she has devoted countless hours to providing critical support to communities and individuals through certified Crisis Response Canines.

As the CEO of CRC, Andrea offers valuable insights into crisis intervention to a network of qualified handlers across the nation and mentors’ new teams in crisis response, canine handling and body language. She continually enhances her expertise in crisis response by administering various certification programs, including the ICISF CCISM certification, Disaster Response Crisis Counselor certification, and QPR Gatekeeper Instructor training.

Andrea holds a comprehensive array of qualifications in canine training and behavior. Her credentials include certification as a tester and observer for the Alliance of Therapy  Dogs and serving as a Canine Body Language Instructor. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen program evaluator and an AKC Temperament Tester. Furthermore, she is certified as a specialist with the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (C-AAIS) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (Knowledge Assessed) (CPDT-KA).

As a distinguished professional affiliated with both the International Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Andrea has showcased her expertise at esteemed forums, including the National Therapy Dog Symposium, where she clarified the distinct roles of Crisis Response Dogs compared to Therapy Dogs. She also presented at the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) conference on the implementation of canines in educational settings. Additionally, Andrea served as the host for the National Symposium for Goal-Based Canine Interventions, reflecting her commitment to enhancing knowledge within professional organizations in the field.

Andrea co-founded the Animal Assist Canine Academy and Community Resource Canines to recognize the evolving need for certified canine and handler teams in facilities and crisis response. This organization aims to provide formal certification and training for professional animal-assisted intervention teams, canines and handlers.

Andrea is recognized as a leading expert in canine training, specializing in animal assisted interventions and crisis response. She has published numerous works providing valuable insights for professionals and the general public, including “CISM and Canines: The Role of Canine Interventions in Academic Institutions” and “Animal-Assisted Interventions: A Brief Guide.” As a faculty member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), Andrea plays a vital role in advancing the field through her contributions to the development of the ICISF Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) curriculum. Her work in the areas of crisis response and community resource canines has gained her national
recognition across the United States.

Her remarkable work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2024 NJBIZ Leading Woman in Business Award, the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Award, a Congressional Proclamation for extraordinary volunteerism, the NJ State Governor’s Jefferson Award, AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished Title, and the Gloucester Township Citizens award.