Therapy Dogs Train for Courtroom Certification to Comfort Trauma Survivors

Nonprofit Courtroom Critters evaluates dogs to support witnesses during legal proceedings.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:34am

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An extreme close-up of a therapy dog's paw on a wooden courtroom bench, the harsh flash illuminating the texture of the fur and the grain of the wood in a stark, gritty manner, conveying the serious and investigative nature of the courtroom setting.A therapy dog's calming presence provides crucial support for trauma survivors navigating the high-stress environment of the courtroom.Las Vegas Today

Six therapy dogs were evaluated in a moot courtroom as part of a specialized certification process to comfort trauma survivors during court proceedings. The training included lectures from judges, lawyers, prosecutors and counselors who taught handlers what happens in the courtroom. Courtroom Critters, a nonprofit that trains certified therapy dogs, currently has 50 therapy dogs and 10 certified courtroom canines.

Why it matters

Anxiety sometimes prevents victims from showing up to court, but the presence of therapy dogs has made an amazing difference, encouraging more victims to participate in legal proceedings. Nevada does not have specific state laws allowing trained dogs in courtrooms to help witnesses, so organizers are working to make the courtroom canine certification a national standard.

The details

The training process involved evaluating the dogs' behavior and ability to remain calm and quiet in a courtroom setting. Handlers also learned about courtroom procedures from legal professionals. Only two dogs passed the certification process, including a dog named Scarlett. The other handlers will be able to pursue additional training and retest.

  • The training and evaluation took place on April 3, 2026.
  • Courtroom Critters was started three years ago.

The players

Courtroom Critters

A nonprofit organization that trains certified therapy dogs to support people who are nervous about being in a courtroom.

Stephani Loffredo

The founder of Courtroom Critters and a retired police officer.

Scarlett

One of the therapy dogs that passed the courtroom certification process.

Stefanie Frank

A lawyer and Courtroom Critters volunteer who brought her dog Louie to see if he could join the team.

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What they’re saying

“Today, as long as she behaves, she's going to get her courtroom K9 certification.”

— Stephani Loffredo, Courtroom Critters founder and retired police officer

“This process is going to help the handlers understand what goes on in the courtroom, as well as we want the dogs to be nice and calm during the courtroom and not make any noise.”

— Stephani Loffredo, Courtroom Critters founder and retired police officer

“The dogs, mostly they work for the victims of traumatic crime. That has been our main focus.”

— Stephani Loffredo, Courtroom Critters founder and retired police officer

“Since we've been having the dogs in the courts, they've been happy to show up, and it's made an amazing difference.”

— Stephani Loffredo, Courtroom Critters founder and retired police officer

“When I heard about Courtroom Critters, it just seems really up my alley to really be there for people who are having a hard time.”

— Stefanie Frank, Lawyer and Courtroom Critters volunteer

What’s next

Organizers are working to make the courtroom canine certification a national standard.

The takeaway

The Courtroom Critters program is providing an important service by training therapy dogs to support trauma survivors during legal proceedings, helping to encourage more victims to participate in the justice system. As Nevada does not currently have laws allowing such dogs in courtrooms, the program's efforts to establish a national certification standard could have a significant impact.