A handler association

Justice facility dogs are professionally trained dogs working throughout the country in prosecutor’s offices, child advocacy centers, and family courts. These special dogs are graduates of dog training organizations that are accredited by Assistance Dogs International.

As legally neutral companions for witnesses during the investigation and prosecution of crimes, these dogs help the most vulnerable witnesses feel willing and able to describe what happened. The dogs also provide emotional support to participants in family court proceedings and in specialty/treatment courts.

Each justice facility dog has one or more legal professionals who handle the dog for the benefit of people involved in stressful legal proceedings. Working together, the team of a legal professional and a facility dog provide a calming influence for children and vulnerable adults during stressful legal proceedings.