Facility Dogs in the Court System

A Facility Dog is a professionally trained service dog that provides calm, comforting companionship to vulnerable individuals involved in legal proceedings. Specially selected for their gentle temperament and ability to remain composed in high-stress environments, Facility Dogs are trained to work without disrupting court proceedings. To ensure they continue to meet the highest standards, Facility Dog teams undergo regular recertification, typically on an annual basis.

For many children—including those in foster care, involved in custody matters, participating in juvenile proceedings, or serving as victims or witnesses of crime—a Facility Dog provides a reassuring, nonjudgmental source of comfort. By helping children feel safe and supported, these specially trained dogs contribute to a more positive and compassionate court experience.

School-Based Support

Crisis & Grief Response

•Supporting students or staff after a loss

•Assisting during times of school or community crisis

•Providing comfort following a traumatic event

Structured Classroom Activities

•Reading programs (students read to the dog)

•Small group SEL (Social Emotional Learning) sessions

•Transition support (first day of school, return from absence, etc.)

Behavior & Reward Systems

•Reinforcing positive behavior goals

• Incentives for attendance or classroom achievement

•Reward for meeting IEP or behavioral milestones

Emotional & Mental Health Support

•Supporting students experiencing anxiety or emotional distress

•Helping students regulate after a difficult incident

•Providing comfort during counseling sessions

Social & Developmental Skills

•Practicing communication and social interaction

•Building confidence in small group settings

•Supporting students with developmental or cognitive needs

How to Schedule a Visit

Requests for Ludo’s support may be made by professionals or staff working with individuals and families who may benefit from his presence. This may include caseworkers, school personnel, counselors, attorneys, judges, court personnel, law enforcement, and other community professionals.

To request Ludo’s support, please contact his handler, Jerri Rook, at jrook@joinder.org.

To help us appropriately plan and coordinate each visit, requests should be submitted in advance and include:

  • Location of the visit

  • Purpose of the visit

  • Who Ludo will be supporting (e.g., children, students, parents, families, clients, or groups)

  • Preferred date and time

All requests are coordinated with Ludo’s handler to ensure the visit is appropriate for the individuals involved and that Ludo’s support can be provided in a safe, effective, and meaningful manner.

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