Part 2 of our “Dogs at Work” series
The courtroom can be one of the most intimidating places on earth. For vulnerable witnesses—especially children and survivors of trauma—the prospect of testifying can be overwhelming, sometimes so much so that they’re unable to give evidence at all. But across Australia and around the world, a special group of dogs is helping to change that, one gentle paw at a time.
What Are Court Comfort Dogs?
Court comfort dogs, also known as courthouse facility dogs, are specially trained canines that provide emotional support to witnesses during legal proceedings. Unlike therapy dogs that might visit hospitals or nursing homes, these dogs are trained to remain calm and still for extended periods, often lying quietly at a witness’s feet while they give testimony.
The presence of these dogs can make an enormous difference. Studies have shown that having a comfort dog nearby can lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and help witnesses- particularly children- communicate more clearly and confidently about difficult experiences.
The concept originated in the United States, where courthouse dogs have been used since the early 2000s. The practice has since spread globally, with programs now operating in Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
In Australia, the use of court comfort dogs is still relatively new but growing. Victoria has been at the forefront, with programs like the Courtroom K9s initiative introducing certified facility dogs to support vulnerable witnesses in county and magistrates’ courts. New South Wales and other states have also begun exploring similar programs, recognising the profound impact these dogs can have on access to justice.
Lucy: Breaking New Ground in Australia
Lucy, a chocolate Labrador trained by Assistance Dogs Australia, made history as the first dog in Australia to be allowed into the witness box. Working with the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions since 2019, Lucy has supported hundreds of witnesses through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
One witness shared how profoundly Lucy helped them through their trial: “Lucy is like my second strength. She has helped me to be strong and not give up. A simple hug or feeling her fur makes me feel I am loved.” Another described the tangible difference Lucy made: “She kept me so calm and grounded. Every time I started to get stressed she looked up at me. She lay really close to my body and on my feet. It made me feel better.”
In one particularly challenging case, a witness had struggled previously to speak about their traumatic experience. However, with Coop (another court dog) present, they managed the situation better and were able to give their evidence as needed. Another witness had been so distressed over the weekend that they’d decided not to return to court—but knowing the dog would be there changed their mind.
These aren’t your average pets. Court comfort dogs undergo rigorous training, often for up to two years, learning to remain calm in high-stress environments, ignore distractions, and respond to subtle cues from their handlers. They must be comfortable with sudden noises, crowds, and the sometimes tense atmosphere of a courtroom.
Golden Retrievers and Labradors are popular choices for this work due to their gentle temperament and trainability, but the most important quality is the individual dog’s calm, steady nature.
Why this Dog Job is so important
For many trauma survivors, the legal system can feel like a gauntlet they must run to seek justice. Court comfort dogs help break down one of the biggest barriers: fear. When a child can stroke a dog’s soft fur while recounting a difficult experience, or when an anxious witness has a warm, non-judgemental companion by their side, they’re more likely to be able to tell their story.
This isn’t about making the legal process “easier” on witnesses, it’s about making justice accessible. These dogs help ensure that vulnerable people can exercise their legal rights without being re-traumatised by the process itself.
As court comfort dog programs continue to expand across Australia and worldwide, these remarkable animals are proving that sometimes justice needs a gentle touch—and a wagging tail.
In our next instalment of “Dogs at Work”, In our next instalment of “Dogs at Work”, we’ll explore the world of medical alert dogs who detect everything from blood sugar changes to oncoming seizures, providing life-saving warnings to people with chronic health conditions
The Top Dog Film Festival celebrates the incredible bond between humans and dogs, and the remarkable ways dogs enrich our lives and our world. Stay tuned for more stories in our ” Dogs at Work ” series.
Missed the previous features? Read them here
