In 2023, UWPD became the first police department in Dane County to launch a therapy dog program. The goal of the UWPD Therapy Dog Program is to provide comfort in times of stress or crisis. Our therapy dogs are specially trained to be used in a law enforcement setting — including training that helps the dogs be comfortable around loud noises, lights and sirens, chaotic situations, etc. While our therapy dogs are used throughout the UW-Madison community (and beyond), we also use our therapy dogs internally to help UWPD officers and staff cope with stressful or traumatic cases.
Meet our Therapy Dog Teams!
K9 Charlie & Officer Katelyn Gamache
K9 Charlie joined UWPD in 2023 and is UWPD’s very first therapy dog. He’s also the first ever law enforcement therapy dog in Dane County! Charlie and Officer Katelyn Gamache work all across campus (and beyond) to provide comfort to anyone in need during a crisis, traumatic incident, and more.
Charlie was born in 2022 and is a smooth coated collie mix. He was rescued from a shelter in Florida and has specialized training through the Paws & Stripes Program. Charlie loves pets and head scratches — but please always ask before petting!
If you see Charlie and Officer Gamache out and about, be sure to stop and say hi!
Interested in having one of our therapy dogs visit your group or event? Please fill out the form below. If you have a specific question, send us an email.