The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia recently announced an expansion of its innovative Court Dog Program, with three new facility dogs set to join the Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle registries early this year. This expansion, funded by the Law Society of New South Wales, builds upon the program's remarkable success in Melbourne and Hobart.
The specially trained facility dogs help vulnerable court users—particularly children—feel calm, safe, and better able to engage with court proceedings. With 100% of surveyed users reporting positive experiences, the program represents a significant advancement in creating trauma-sensitive court environments.
"It's a credit to the Law Society of New South Wales and its members that they've decided to fund the three new dogs for our registries in Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle," Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Honourable William Alstergren AO, said. "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.”
Easing tension in high-stress legal settings
For family lawyers, the Court Dog Program offers a valuable resource when representing clients experiencing vulnerability or trauma. The therapeutic presence of these specially trained dogs is shown to reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and increase oxytocin, allowing court users to think more clearly and express themselves better.
“Going to court, sitting in a court room and giving evidence is one of the most foreign and stressful experiences a non-lawyer can encounter,” Kathryn Kearley, a College of Law family law expert, explains. “While we see courtroom dramas played out in mini-series on television, in reality courtrooms are far different.”
“As lawyers we are comfortable in a courtroom just like a surgeon is comfortable in an operating theatre; however, parties and lay witnesses experience considerable stress and apprehension in court, just as a patient feels nervous and not in control when submitting to surgery. The use of trained dogs to help a party or witness feel more at ease in court goes a huge way towards helping parties and lay witnesses in court.”
Survey results from the program demonstrate tangible benefits, with 78% of users reporting feeling more relaxed, 77% feeling less nervous, and 66% reporting increased happiness. Most significantly, 40% of respondents said the dogs helped them think more clearly during proceedings, while 35% found they could express themselves better.
The impact also directly affects the quality of judicial proceedings. As President of the Law Society of NSW, Jennifer Ball explains.
"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."
Court users themselves attest to the program's benefits. One user said: "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 participant said: "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 l was in, giving me a more relaxed and comforting approach to being there. I feel that this program of having a Court Dog, should apply in all courts across Australia."
More than just pets: Specially trained legal assistants
Court Dogs undergo specific training by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to work effectively in the unique environment of a courtroom. They're selected for their calm temperament and ability to provide consistent emotional support without disrupting court proceedings.
“As a dog owner and lover, I well know the benefits of having dogs in my life and for my family, but these court dogs are quite exceptional,” Kathryn says. “They are rigorously selected and trained to know how to behave, and so they are calm and steady in their responses to people and places.”
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Therapy Dog Program Team Leader Samantha O'Keefe explained the selection process.
“Not every puppy is suited to becoming a fully qualified Guide Dog. Some dogs have the perfect nature and training to become a Court Dog, where they ease stress, reduce anxiety, provide companionship, emotional support, and hugs to those in need.”
One of the program's fundamental principles is that Court Dogs enhance the legal process rather than distract from it. Their carefully managed presence aims to help court users find their voice, tell their stories more effectively, and better participate in proceedings.
This approach is particularly valuable for legal professionals dealing with family law matters.
As one lawyer noted: "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 on your face. When dealing with children's matters in particular, it is important that you are not internally focused and can focus on those around you and those that are impacted by the proceedings. Zoey reminds everyone what the real world is about."
The program is of particular value for vulnerable populations, including children with special needs.
One parent said: "My child has special needs and attended an appointment for child report and interview. Poppy 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."
Overall, the program's success is impressive, as 100% of court users surveyed believe that having a Court Dog in their registry is positive, and the same percentage reporting feeling supported by the Court Dog's presence.
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