The role of facility dogs has expanded beyond traditional areas to accompany people throughout their judicial journey. Courthouse facility dogs serve a crucial purpose by performing specific tasks, such as a visit command to greet a child entering a child advocacy center as well as to lay next to that child as they go through a forensic interview and medical exam. The innovative use of courthouse facility dogs is gaining recognition across the United States and internationally with over five hundred dogs working currently in nine countries.

The Courthouse Dogs® Foundation (CDF), an Affiliated Partner of ADI, was founded on scientific research that shows strong evidence of the short-term physical effects of petting a dog to reduce the physical effects of stress, including loss of memory, inability to articulate clearly, increased blood pressure, and heart rate.

What is a Courthouse Dog?

Courthouse facility dogs are graduates from an accredited ADI organization who are paired with a handler who works within the judicial system. These dogs accompany individuals through the legal process, providing a calming influence. Their presence can help create a more supportive environment for those who may be facing the trauma of recounting distressing experiences. Many victims of crime find it incredibly challenging to share their stories in a courtroom setting, especially in cases involving sensitive issues such as child abuse or domestic violence.

These dogs participate in courtroom or other legal processes often out of sight of the jury to not influence the proceedings. They are trained to lay quietly in a witness box while a witness holds the leash and gives their testimony.

The Benefits of Courthouse Dogs

These dogs deliver numerous benefits:

1. Reducing Anxiety: The courtroom can be an intimidating place, especially for those who have experienced trauma. The comforting presence of a dog who is trained to do specific tasks can help reduce fear, stress, and anxiety, making it easier for individuals to speak openly and honestly.
2. Encouraging Communication: For children, having a dog present may encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts more freely. This can be critical in cases where their testimony is essential for justice to be served.
3. Enhancing the Judicial Process: By providing a calming influence, courthouse facility dogs can contribute to a smoother and more efficient judicial process. When witnesses feel safe and supported, they are more likely to provide accurate and complete testimonies.
4. Building Trust: The bond between a person and a dog can create a sense of security, allowing individuals to trust their environment and the people within it. This trust can be vital for those who may feel vulnerable in a legal setting.

Harnessing the unique co-evolutionary journey humans and dogs have been on for tens of thousands of years, and utilizing the calming effect this deep human-dog bond offers, are true shifts in our traditional judicial process.

Integrating Courthouse Facility Dogs into ADI Member Organizations

The incorporation of courthouse dogs into ADI Member Organizations presents an exciting opportunity for ADI members to expand their impact. Training dogs specifically for courthouse settings not only enhances the services ADI Member Organizations offer, but also presents unique community outreach opportunities, and strengthens ties with local judicial systems.

For ADI members interested in expanding their knowledge and resources surrounding courthouse facility dogs, the Courthouse Dogs Foundation International Conference is being held in Orlando, Florida, on September 4-5, 2025 and will provide a wealth of information and expert speakers on this specialized field of working dogs.

ADI members can register using the discount code ADIMEMBER for a reduced tuition of $340.

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Felicia Ako is the CEO of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation (CDF) and a former Board Director. With a robust background in the corporate sector, she has developed her expertise in people management, strategy, operations, and program delivery at prominent organizations, including AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Expedia, Starbucks, and BECU. Felicia's lifelong passion for dogs, combined with her belief in their ability to foster trust and provide comfort to traumatized children, inspired her transition to the non-profit sector. She is dedicated to leading CDF with a purpose-driven approach, creating impactful programs that make a difference in the lives of those navigating the justice system.

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