National Court dog program - FAQ | Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

This FAQ provides answers to some common questions about the Court Dog working at your Registry and the Court Dog Program.

If you have further questions, please contact the Court via the email for your Registry:

Who are the Court Facility dogs?

There are 7 Court Facility Dogs working across Vic, Tas, Qld, SA and NSW Registries of the Courts:
- Poppy is a 4 year old black Labrador who works in the Melbourne Registry
- Zoey is a 3 year old blonde Labrador who works in the Hobart Registry
- Lani is a 2 year old black Labrador who works in the Lionel Bowen Building of the Sydney Registry
- Molly is a 2 year old black Labrador who works in the Parramatta Registry
- Sunny is a 2 year old blonde Labrador who works in the Newcastle Registry
- Leo is a 2 year old blonde Labrador who works in the Brisbane Registry
- Bonnie is a 2 year old black Labrador who works in the Adelaide Registry.
They have each undertaken training with Guide Dogs or Assistance Dogs Australia and were placed with the Courts as a Facility Dog. A Facility Dog is a special type of Therapy Dog that is trained to work in a particular location, in this case, a court.
How can a Court Dog support you?

A professionally trained facility dog can provide comfort and emotional support to people in the justice system, give a sense of normalcy, assist with opening up communication, provide a healthy distraction from an overwhelming trauma response and a physical source of calming touch. They are able to provide support to court users in a number of settings such as in the courtroom, court foyer and waiting areas, mediation rooms, and in the Court Children's Service.
What will the Court Dog do in Court?

The Court Dog’s objective is to offer support to court users. They are trained to be calm and resting whilst in court or in an interview, and not to be a distraction.

In a courtroom, the Court Dog can sit in the gallery or witness box either by the person’s side or at their feet. Some witnesses may also prefer to hold the Court Dog’s lead whilst they give evidence. the Court Dog’s handler will be seated in the courtroom or outside of any conference room.

In the foyer or a waiting area, they will always be on their lead and accompanied by their handler, never free roaming.
Can I pat the Court Dog?

If you see the Court Dog wearing their vest, it signals that they are working and should not be pet until their handler says that you can say hello.
Can I take a photo of the Court Dog?

Photos of the Court Dog are always welcome. However, no photos are permitted while Court is in session and court users are expected to always be mindful of other people’s privacy, as well as in family law, the restriction in Part XIVB of the Family Law Act against publishing any material identifying any party or child involved in a family law proceeding.
Can I feed the Court Dog treats?

A Court Dog is a working dog and has their designated feeding breaks. Please do not feed them any food unless their Handler provides you with a snack you can give them.
Does the Court Dog need bathroom breaks?

The Court Dog is trained to go to the bathroom during their breaks. Court Dogs have a welfare break approximately every 90 minutes.
Can I request the Court Dog to be at my court event?

Yes, you can request the Court Dog to be present at your court event via email to the Registry, the Chambers of the presiding Judicial Officer, or to the Court Children’s Service administration, as applicable. The Judge, Registrar or Court Child Expert must approve the Court Dog assisting in your court event.
What can I do if I am not comfortable being near a dog?

The Court will notify the parties and practitioners of each court event that the Court Dog is scheduled to attend. If you have any fears, allergies or cultural concerns, please advise the judicial officer’s staff, the registry or the Court Children’s Service so the Court can consider how best they may be accommodated.

When in the registry building, the Court Dog will always be on leash and will not approach members of public unless with their Handler.
How can I provide feedback on my experience with the Court Dog?

The FCFCOA welcomes all feedback from court users regarding their experience with the Court Dog. Please complete our short feedback form via the QR codes located outside the courtrooms, near the elevators and building foyer, or below.

You can also provide feedback by email to the relevant Court Dog email address above.

V5 November 2025