Therapy dogs are expanding their roles from hospitals and schools to the courtroom, and the public can see this in action at an upcoming training event in Las Vegas.

Courtroom Critters, a local nonprofit in Nevada, trains therapy dogs to support trauma survivors in the courtroom. They're hosting a Courtroom Canine Training and Certification Event on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 12–5 p.m. at the UNLV Boyd School of Law in Las Vegas. Dogs must undergo rigorous training—starting with the Canine Good Citizen program, then therapy certification, and finally courtroom simulations.

The goal is to help more trauma survivors testify, as currently only about 2% do. Certified dogs provide emotional support, helping victims feel safe enough to speak. The event will simulate a real courtroom setting to test the dogs' composure and focus.

Though 20 states allow courtroom support dogs, Nevada does not, and the group is urging legal reform. The public is invited to attend the free event and learn more about how these dogs help facilitate justice.

ktnv.com