Jeeter, courthouse dog pioneer
September,2001 - January 2012
Courthouse Dogs LLC
Expert education and guidance for legal professionals
Since 2003 courthouse dogs have provided comfort to sexually abused children while they undergo forensic interviews and testify in court. The dogs also assist drug court participants in their recovery, visit juveniles in detention facilities, greet jurors and lift the spirits of courthouse staff who often conduct their business in an adversarial setting.
Courthouse dogs assist individuals with physical, psychological, or emotional trauma due to criminal conduct; these dogs should be professionally trained assistance dogs from an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. Each courthouse dog is handled by a criminal justice professional, such as a deputy prosecutor, a law enforcement officer, a victim advocate, or a forensic interviewer.
The use of courthouse dogs can help bring about a major change in how we meet the emotional needs of all involved in the criminal justice system. The dog’s calming presence creates a more humane and efficient system that enables judges, lawyers, and staff to accomplish their work in a more positive and constructive manner.
Upcoming trainings
Nooksack Tribal Court
Deming, WA
May 7
Pacific Assistance Dog Society
Burnaby, British Columbia
May 8
Chittenden Unit for
Special investigations
Burlington, VT
May 18
More information
California District Attorneys Association
Napa, CA
June 26 - 27
New Mexico State
Bar Association
Annual Meeting
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
July 12 - 13
National District Attorneys Association endorses the use of courthouse dogs
Read what elected prosecutors across the United States are saying about courthouse dogs
Where are courthouse dogs being used?
Current news about courthouse dogs.
Courthouse Dogs - a visit from friends in Finland
Request a DVD for criminal justice professionals about the use of courthouse dogs. This free video is made possible by the generous support of the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Police Foundation. Please note that we can only mail this DVD to individuals working in the field of criminal justice. Please include information about your professional position and agency when making this request.