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Where do we get a Courthouse Dog?

Atsuko Otsuka

After you and your staff have decided that a courthouse dog is right for your facility and chosen who will be the primary dog handler, the next step is to apply for a properly trained, certified dog from an accredited dog training organization. This process can take several months, and the waiting time for the expertly trained dog may seem long. However, you will find that the wait will be well worth it for the right dog.

Assistance Dogs International accredits qualified dog training organizations
Courthouse dogs are trained by members of Assistance dogs International (ADI). ADI sets the training standards for various types of assistance dogs, including service dogs, hearing dogs, and facility dogs such as courthouse dogs. Members of ADI meet accreditation standards that cover humane treatment of the dogs, training and follow up with handlers, and other elements of a properly run service dog school. You can browse a list of all the ADI US member organizations, noting that many of these organizations place dogs on a national basis.

Many of the courthouse dogs currently in service come from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). This nationwide ADI-accredited nonprofit headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, has been placing professionally trained dogs since 1975; they currently breed their own dogs, most of which are a cross between Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. The application process for a CCI Facility Dog is thorough, and can take some months to complete.

Please feel free to contact us for our recommendations on ADI accredited organizations who train and place courthouse dogs in your area.