The Court Dog Program is a trauma-informed initiative designed to support vulnerable litigants and children participating in court proceedings. Professionally trained facility dogs, also known as Court Dogs, work alongside their handlers to provide emotional support and comfort in courtrooms, mediations, waiting areas, and Court Children’s Service (CCS) interviews.
The Courts have partnered with Guide Dogs, who support the Courts’ Program and provide trained facility dogs with the skills and temperament to work in the court environment.
The objectives of the Court Dog Program are:
- to help litigants and children to find their voice and tell their stories
- to make the court experience more trauma sensitive for court users
- to facilitate participation in the court process and further the administration of justice
Where are the Court Dogs located?
Currently, the program operates in the following registries:
- Melbourne – Court Dog Poppy
- Hobart – Court Dog Zoey
- Sydney (Lionel Bowen Building) – Court Dog Lani
- Parramatta – Court Dog Molly
- Newcastle – Court Dog Sunny
- Brisbane – Court Dog Leo
- Adelaide – Court Dog Bonnie
Benefits of a Court Dog
Court Dogs are trained to:
- Provide a calming presence and emotional support
- Help court users feel safe and heard
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Encourage communication and engagement in proceedings
Requesting a Court Dog
Court Dogs may be requested for:
- Court hearings
- CCS interviews
- Mediations
- Other court-related events, including where a party is in secure safe room
How to Make a Request
Any party or practitioner may request a Court Dog to support them, their client or a child when they are attending court. The formal booking must be made internally by Chambers or CCS.
To request a Court Dog:
- For a court hearing or mediation, contact the Chambers of the presiding judicial officer at least 7 days prior to the hearing. Chambers will consider the request, and if appropriate, complete the internal steps to make the booking.
- For a Court Children’s Service interview, contact CCS administration at least 7 days prior to the interview. CCS will consider the request, and if appropriate, complete the internal steps to make the booking.
Where can I learn more?
Visit the National Court dog program - FAQ page.
Or contact your local registry using the emails listed below:
- Melbourne: Melb.CourtDog@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Hobart: Hobart@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Sydney: Sydney.CourtDog@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Parramatta: Parramatta.CourtDog@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Newcastle: Newcastle.CourtDog@fcfcoa.gov.au
- Brisbane: Brisbane.CourtDog@fcfcoa.gov.au
