How Dogs Are Helping Children Testify in Court Under a New Tennessee Law

Tennessee has joined a growing number of states recognizing the role specially trained dogs can play in helping children navigate the trauma of testifying in court. A new state law now allows facility dogs to accompany child witnesses during legal proceedings, offering emotional support while they recount often distressing experiences.

The legislation, which took effect in 2026, is designed to reduce anxiety for children involved in abuse, neglect, and other sensitive cases. Under the law, trained courthouse or facility dogs may sit with a child while they testify, helping them remain calm and focused without influencing testimony. The dogs are handled by trained professionals and are not pets, but working animals specifically prepared for legal environments.

According to reporting by WATE News, Tennessee lawmakers emphasized that the presence of dogs can help prevent retraumatization and improve a child’s ability to communicate clearly in court, particularly in cases involving abuse or violence.

Why Facility Dogs Are Being Used in Courtrooms

Research and real-world courtroom experience have shown that facility dogs can significantly reduce stress responses in children, including shaking, crying, and emotional shutdown. These dogs are trained to remain still, quiet, and unobtrusive, allowing the child to focus on answering questions rather than managing fear.

Courts that already use facility dogs report improved testimony clarity and reduced delays caused by emotional distress. Importantly, the dogs do not interact with juries or judges and are introduced carefully to avoid bias or distraction. Courts also provide clear instructions to jurors explaining the dog’s presence is solely for emotional support.

The concept is not new, but Tennessee’s law provides explicit statewide authorization, ensuring consistent use and legal clarity across jurisdictions.

Does Nevada Allow Dogs to Support Children in Court?

Nevada does not currently have a statewide statute identical to Tennessee’s law that we could source, but facility and therapy dogs have been used in Nevada courtrooms on a case-by-case basis, particularly in Clark County.

The Clark County District Attorney’s Office has previously worked with trained facility dogs to support child victims and vulnerable witnesses during forensic interviews and court appearances. These dogs are typically handled by victim advocacy professionals and introduced under judicial discretion.

Additionally, Nevada courts retain broad discretion to allow comfort measures for vulnerable witnesses, including children, as long as those measures do not interfere with a defendant’s right to a fair trial. While not codified statewide, the practice aligns with trauma-informed justice approaches increasingly adopted across the country.

Other States Using Facility Dogs in Courtrooms

Tennessee is part of a broader national trend. Several states have enacted laws or formal court policies allowing facility dogs to support child witnesses, including:

• Arizona, which was among the first states to formalize courtroom facility dog use.
• California, which allows facility dogs for vulnerable witnesses, including children and individuals with disabilities.
• Washington, where courthouse dogs are authorized to assist children during testimony.
• Florida, which permits certified facility dogs to accompany child witnesses in certain cases.

These programs are often supported by nonprofit organizations that train and place facility dogs specifically for legal and therapeutic settings.

What This Means for Dog Welfare and Rescue

Many facility dogs begin their lives in shelters or rescue programs before undergoing extensive training. Programs across the U.S. partner with breeders and rescues to identify dogs with the temperament required for courthouse work, creating an additional pathway for dogs to serve meaningful roles while maintaining high welfare standards.

For dog welfare advocates, these programs demonstrate how dogs can contribute to human healing without exploitation when proper training, care, and oversight are in place. Unlike research or experimental use, facility dog programs prioritize the dog’s well-being, limit working hours, and ensure lifelong placement and care.

A Trauma-Informed Shift in the Justice System

The use of dogs in courtrooms reflects a broader shift toward trauma-informed practices, particularly for children. As shelters across the country remain overcrowded and communities struggle to support vulnerable populations, programs that humanely integrate dogs into social services highlight the powerful bond between people and animals.

While Nevada has not yet adopted a statewide law like Tennessee’s, existing practices suggest openness to similar approaches. As awareness grows, advocacy groups, legal professionals, and animal welfare organizations may push for clearer statewide guidelines that protect both children and dogs.

At its core, Tennessee’s new law underscores a simple truth increasingly recognized nationwide: sometimes, the presence of a calm, steady dog can make the hardest moments just a little more bearable — for everyone involved.