Therapy dogs train for courtroom certification to comfort trauma survivors

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Six therapy dogs were evaluated in a moot courtroom as part of a specialized certification process to comfort trauma survivors during court proceedings.

Scarlett and Louie were among the dogs tested by Courtroom Critters, a nonprofit that trains certified therapy dogs to support people who are nervous about being in a courtroom.

EN ESPAÑOL: Perros de terapia entrenan para obtener certificación judicial para ayudar a sobrevivientes de traumas

“Today, as long as she behaves, she’s going to get her courtroom K9 certification,” said Stephani Loffredo, Courtroom Critters founder and a retired police officer.

The training included lectures from judges, lawyers, prosecutors and counselors who taught handlers what happens in the courtroom.

“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,” Loffredo said.

Courtroom Critters was started three years ago and currently has 50 therapy dogs and 10 certified courtroom canines.

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

She said anxiety sometimes prevents victims from showing up to court.

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

Stefanie Frank, a lawyer and Courtroom Critters volunteer, brought Louie to see if he could join the team.

“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,” Frank said.

“It’s more support. Because being able to pet a dog while you’re under stress really helps,” Frank said.

Only two dogs passed the certification process, including Scarlett. The other handlers will be able to pursue additional training and retest. A dog’s therapy certification is not affected by the courtroom certification outcome.

Nevada does not have specific state laws allowing trained dogs in courtrooms to help witnesses.

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