Community Support Dog
Meet Cooper, Trinity College’s Community Support Dog in training.
What is a community support dog (CSD)?
A community support dog is a specially trained dog that works with its handler in a professional setting—such as a school or a hospital—to provide emotional support, to facilitate therapy, and to improve social interactions. A CSD is not a service dog but rather is trained to support individuals in a group setting and to enhance therapeutic interventions.
Cooper’s Role at Trinity College
After an intense search for an effective support animal for Trinity, the Campus Safety Department found Cooper, a Labrador retriever who is on campus daily, working alongside his handler and bonding with our community.
Once Cooper reaches the appropriate level of maturity, he and his handler will undergo training and certification that meet standards comparable to those set by Assistance Dog International (ADI). Cooper then will be a full-time certified CSD at Trinity, providing comfort, stability, and support to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Please note that Cooper is available only for group visits or events and is unable to visit student rooms. Any visits to a residence must be conducted in the lobby or common area of the building.
