Court Dog Program Expands To Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle Registries

In 2023, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (“FCFCOA”) launched a Court Dog Program, using specially trained canines to assist litigants and children involved in family law proceedings in the courts. This program was initially launched in the Melbourne and Hobart Registries.

On 20 February 2025, the FCFCOA announced the expansion of the successful Court Dog Program with the addition of three new facility dogs to operate in the Sydney, Parramatta and Newcastle registries. This program has been funded by the Law Society of NSW and trained by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

Jennifer Ball, the President of the NSW Law Society said “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.

The objectives of the Court Dog Program are:

• to help litigants and children find their voice and tell their stories;
• to make the court experience more trauma-sensitive for court users; and
• to facilitate participation in the court process and further the administration of justice.

Studies have shown that animal therapy appears to provide general benefits for both physical and psychological health. Evidence for animal assisted therapy appears strongest for markers of anxiety and depression in the widest range of people.

The FCFCOA surveyed users of the Court Dog Program, finding that:

• 100 percent of court users think that having a Court Dog in their court registry is positive;
• 100 percent of court users felt supported by the presence of a Court Dog;
• When describing how Poppy or Zoey made them feel, survey respondents most commonly answered that the Court Dog helped them to:
  
  
  • Feel relaxed (78 percent of survey respondents).
  • Feel less nervous (77 percent of survey respondents).
  • Feel happy (66 percent of survey respondents).
  • Feel safe (52 percent of survey respondents).
  • Think more clearly (40 percent of survey respondents).
  • Express themselves better (35 percent of survey respondents).

Solari and Stock welcomes this initiate and thinks that it will have a PAWSITIVE impact on a process which is otherwise a very daunting process. We too, had our very own experience with a canine in a legal environment when one of our colleagues dog’s were recovering from an operation. Staff reported to feel happier and a little relaxed at times when they were feeling stressed.

If you have questions about your situation and would like to discuss them with our team of Family Law Solicitors at Solari & Stock reach out to us today on 8525 2700, or click here to request an appointment.

At Solari and Stock our team of Sutherland Shire Family Law Solicitors include Riccarda Stock, Nicole Quirk, Shweta Kumar, Nikita Ward and Kirstin Attard.

Article by Nikita Ward
Photo credit Law Society Journal
Photo credit (second image) Nikita Ward