Promoting justice through the use of courthouse dogs to provide emotional support for everyone in our criminal justice system

Since 2003 courthouse dogs have provided comfort to sexually abused children while they undergo forensic interviews and testify in court. The dogs also assist drug court participants in their recovery, visit juveniles in detention facilities, greet jurors and lift the spirits of courthouse staff who often conduct their business in an adversarial setting.

Courthouse dogs assist individuals with physical, psychological, or emotional trauma due to criminal conduct; these dogs should be professionally trained to service dog standards by an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International.

The use of courthouse dogs can help bring about a major change in how we meet the emotional needs of all involved in the criminal justice system. The dog’s calming presence creates a more humane and efficient system that enables judges, lawyers, and staff to accomplish their work in a more positive and constructive manner.

What is Courthouse Dogs LLC?

Hallmarks of a sound courthouse dog program

Where are courthouse dogs currently in use?

 

 

Courthouse Dogs Go South - an article in Bark magazine about how Chile started a courthouse dog program for their children

Maryland Lawyer article about Kelly, a courthouse dog who works at the Baltimore Child Advocacy Center

USA Today article on courthouse dogs

Pet therapy dogs - not a good idea for the criminal justice system

Pennsylvania courthouse dog at work in Centre County

Law review article - Using Dogs For Emotional Support of Testifying Victims of Crime

ADI dog trainer handout from Toronto ADI Conference June 2010