→ How to navigate pet custody disputes and family law matters involving animals: online now
For many people, stepping into a courtroom is an overwhelming experience filled with stress and anxiety, but three specially-trained court support dogs will soon be providing support and comfort to victims of crime, children, and witnesses in NSW.
We take a look at the program that is highlighting the benefits of animals and, in particular, how dogs ease anxiety and can provide a sense of calm in quite stressful situations.
Introduction to the Court Dog Program
During an official ceremony in Sydney this week, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) announced its partnership with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to expand the successful Court Dog Program.
The inspirational program aims to create a more trauma-sensitive environment by providing support dogs trained to calm and reassure individuals navigating the court system.
Three dogs have been funded by The Law Society and will eventually be placed at Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle Registries, once fully trained as part of the Guide Dogs’ Therapy Dog Program.
Expansion of court support dogs into NSW
The Court Dog Program has already made a significant improvement to the experiences of many litigants since its introduction in the Melbourne and Hobart Registries since last year, ensuring those navigating the court system feel calm, safe and happy during what can be a stressful, and anxiety inducing experience.
The three new court support dogs announced this week will be expertly trained by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. The training will enable the dogs to work in courtroom settings, offering emotional support, companionship, and even a few well-timed cuddles to those in need.
“It’s a credit to the Law Society of New South Wales and its members to fund the three new dogs for our registries in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle,” says FCFCOA Chief Justice William Alstergren AO.
“We’ve been overwhelmed at the positive reception our Court Dog Program has received in Melbourne and Hobart, so we’re beyond excited to see the impact these new additions will make in New South Wales.”
The Law Society of NSW President Jennifer Ball, says the benefits of having trained dogs present in legal proceedings is well-documented.
“Lawyers involved in court proceedings rely on their witnesses giving the best evidence possible.
“Whether they be adults or children, witnesses who feel less anxious, and more comfortable and supported, are shown to produce more reliable evidence, have better factual recall, speak more clearly and coherently, and exhibit fewer signs of distress.”
A survey conducted with court users in Melbourne and Hobart found overwhelming support for the program:
•100% of respondents viewed the presence of a Court Dog positively.
•100% felt supported by the Court Dog.
•78% reported feeling more relaxed.
•77% felt less nervous.
•66% said the dog made them feel happier.
•52% felt safer.
•40% were able to think more clearly.
•35% found it easier to express themselves.
Guide Dogs’ Therapy Dog Program
The Court Dog Program is part of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s Therapy Dog Program, which trains dogs to provide comfort and support in various environments.
Not every dog is suited to becoming a fully qualified Guide Dog, but some possess the perfect temperament to work in courtrooms.
Samantha O’Keefe, Therapy Dog Program Team Leader at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, says the organisation is extremely proud to support the program because of the overwhelming positive impact the dogs will have in the courtrooms.
“Some dogs have the perfect nature and training to become a Court Dog,” says O’Keefe.
“They ease stress, reduce anxiety, provide companionship, emotional support and hugs to those in need.”
Did you know that dogs are also making impacts in real estate through practices like ‘pet staging’?
How dogs help anxiety: the benefits of therapy dogs in courtrooms and legal settings
Service dogs, like German Shepherd Kali, play pivotal roles in various community services.
Court support dogs are a specialised type of therapy dog trained to provide support in specific settings.
Research has demonstrated the benefits of therapy animals, particularly in high-stress environments like courtrooms.
Interacting with dogs has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone that raises heart rate and blood pressure.
At the same time, spending time with a dog increases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes calmness and clarity of thought.
Key facts about the Court Dog Program
•Purpose: To provide emotional support, reduce anxiety, and create a trauma-sensitive court environment.
•Locations: Expanding to Sydney, Parramatta, and Newcastle registries in 2025.
•Training: Dogs are selected and trained by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to be calm, supportive companions.
•Impact: Court Dogs have been shown to help litigants, children, and witnesses feel more comfortable and able to engage with court proceedings.
•Existing success: Melbourne and Hobart registries have already benefited from the program, with universally positive feedback from users.
Real stories, real impact
The success of the Court Dog Program is best illustrated through the voices of those who have experienced its benefits firsthand.
One court user described how the presence of Zoey, one of the first Court Dogs, made a difference during a difficult legal process:
“Having Zoey in court is extremely helpful. She was a good distraction during a very stressful time. It’s a great program and Zoey is a fabulous ambassador. I’m very thankful to have had Zoey there with me.”
Another individual who had Poppy with them during multiple hearings spoke about the ongoing comfort the dog provided:
“I had Poppy three times this year with me through a court trial. It really was the best way to take my mind off the stressful situation I was in, giving me a more relaxed and comforting approach to being there. I feel that this program should apply in all courts across Australia.”
Lawyers and legal professionals also appreciate the presence of Court Dogs.
One solicitor reflected on how Zoey’s presence changed the atmosphere in the courtroom:
“Having the Court Dog, Zoey, present and the incidental interactions I had with her, breaks through a layer of tension that rests upon solicitors, counsel and parties’ shoulders, even before entering the court building.
“Seeing Zoey sitting from afar or at the top of the stairs brings your mind to the present and a smile to your face.”
The benefits extend beyond the litigants themselves. One parent shares how Poppy helped her child, who has special needs, feel at ease before a child report interview:
“Poppy definitely helped them to reduce their anxiety and made the beginning of the interview easier.
“Poppy helped me with my stress while I was waiting as well. It would be very helpful to have Poppy in court to assist children and adults, especially those with traumas and special needs.”
A bright future for court support dogs in NSW
With the program now set to roll out in Sydney, Parramatta, and Newcastle in 2025, more people will soon experience the unwavering companionship and emotional support that these dogs provide.
The initiative stands as a testament to how small changes in the justice system can create a more inclusive and humane experience for all involved. As more registries embrace the Court Dog Program, the hope is that this compassionate approach to justice will continue to expand across Australia.