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Rolling Meadows to pilot therapy dog program to support residents in crisis
Summary
Human Services requested immediate approval to begin a therapy dog pilot based at City Hall and visiting the Rolling Meadows Neighborhood Resource Center weekly; estimated startup costs are $4,450–$4,650 with annual operating costs of about $3,960–$4,160. A straw vote was 7–0 in favor.
Human Services Director Dr. Natalia Nieves and Human Services Office Manager Marisol Gonzalez asked the Committee of the Whole to approve a Therapy Dog Program as a trauma-informed initiative intended to improve resident engagement, emotional stabilization and crisis-response services.
The presenters outlined estimated initial costs of $4,450–$4,650 and annual ongoing costs of $3,960–$4,160. The request noted that many residents arrive at Human Services following contact with police or fire personnel and may be in a heightened emotional state that creates barriers to communication and service engagement.
Marisol Gonzalez described the candidate dog, Pixie, a goldendoodle acquired in 2021 who has completed an initial professional evaluation through Happy Tails Ranch and will complete additional obedience and public-interaction training. "Pixie would primarily be housed in the Human Services Department's 'Peaceful Space' at City Hall and would visit Rolling Meadows Neighborhood Resource Center weekly," Gonzalez said. Program materials state Pixie would come to City Hall with her handler about three days a week and that there is no acquisition cost because the dog is already owned by staff.
Alderperson Koehler requested that the department provide the research reports cited and include associated metrics in the Human Services annual report. Mayor Sanoica took a straw vote on implementing the program immediately, noting funds are already allotted in the FY2026 budget; the minutes record the result as 7 in favor, 0 opposed. The minutes state the Human Services Department is prepared to implement the Therapy Dog Program in FY2026.
The discussion was framed as a low-cost, trauma-informed approach intended to strengthen crisis response, reduce social isolation among seniors, and support staff wellness; the Committee did not record a formal ordinance or binding vote beyond the straw vote recorded in the minutes.
