Training people for successful partnerships with courthouse facility dogs
Join Us for the 10th Annual International Courthouse Dog Conference!
We’re thrilled to celebrate dedication, compassion, and impact at this year’s 10th Annual Conference for Facility Dog Handlers – and we want YOU to be part of it!
Dates: September 3 – 5, 2025
Location: Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida
Special Hotel Rate: $139 per night for all attendees
Thanks to our conference hotel, Rosen Shingle Creek, all attendees now receive a reduced room rate of $139/night, even if you’ve already booked. Prepaid guests will have this addressed automatically and refunds processed to the original payment card!
Why Attend?
- Inspiring keynote speakers including Rebecca Petty and Dr. Emily Bray
- Interactive workshops with experienced handlers and trainers
- Cutting-edge sessions on research, courtroom integration, law enforcement, federal courts, and more
- Networking opportunities with facility dog teams
- A celebration of 10 years of growth, and a bold look ahead!
View the Full Agenda → 2025 Conference Agenda
Whether you’re just starting your journey or a seasoned handler, this is your chance to connect, recharge, and grow with the most passionate community in the field.
Register now to secure your spot – space is limited!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for conference updates, sneak peeks, and community stories.
Let’s celebrate the partnership between handler and dog, and the future we’re building together.
What is a courthouse facility dog?
Courthouse facility dogs are professionally trained dogs working throughout the country in prosecutor’s offices, child advocacy centers, and family courts. They primarily provide a calming influence for children during stressful legal proceedings.
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.
Develop an outstanding Courthouse Dog Program
Courthouse Dogs Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of facility dog to provide support to vulnerable people during stressful legal proceedings. These dogs are graduates from assistance dog organization that are members of Assistance Dogs International and they are handled by professionals working in the legal system.
These programs work
Courthouse facility dogs provide a compassionate way to help traumatized victims tell their stories. Because of the success of this program, more participants in law enforcement and the judicial system are recognizing its value and seeking information about how to get started.
For people interested in starting a courthouse facility dogs program in your organization, we can help you:
Events
No upcoming events at this time. Please check back later!
News
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Courthouse Dogs in the National Spotlight: CNN Features Julie Siepmann and Facility Dog Mac
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Dogs in the Courtroom: The Increasingly Widespread Use of Facility Dogs in Courtrooms
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Canine companions in the courtroom – Will dogs in court soon become common practice?
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Courthouse comfort dog Hatty melts away anxiety for reticent young abuse victims
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Justice facility dogs: The quiet, skilled heroes helping child victims
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From the Doghouse to the Courthouse: Facility Dogs as Trial Aids for Vulnerable Witnesses
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How Iggy and fellow courthouse dogs lend a paw to make trials less scary for young witnesses
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Four-legged therapist offers unconditional support at the SAFV Centre
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