Facility dogs now allowed in every jurisdiction across Tennessee

Facility Dogs Now Allowed In Every Jurisdiction Across Tennessee
Victims and Witnesses Find Comfort Utilizing Highly Trained Dogs During Criminal Investigations and Court Proceedings

NASHVILLE, TN – A new law in Tennessee now allows facility dogs to be used to help victims and witnesses testify in courtrooms throughout the state with a judge’s approval. Up until now, they have only been utilized in a handful of judicial districts during courtroom testimony, and also during forensic interviews. These certified and highly trained dogs often bring comfort to vulnerable witnesses, like children, giving them an added sense of security when asked to discuss sensitive topics in often highly stressful situations, such as jury trials. 

In April of 2025, the Tennessee Legislature passed a law, allowing facility dogs in every jurisdiction, with the judge’s approval. If someone would like to use a facility dog in their case, they first need to file a motion with the court. The judge will hear that motion and decide whether the circumstances warrant using a facility dog in that particular case. The facility dog’s training and certification will be requested, along with certification from the dog’s handler. 

Requests For Facility Dogs: 

If someone would like to use a facility dog for their case, it is best to reach out directly to the local district attorney’s office and Victim Witness Coordinator in their judicial district. If that judicial district does not currently have a facility dog available, the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference may be able to assist in providing a dog from another district to help with the case.

The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference was created by the General Assembly in 1961 to provide for a more prompt and efficient administration of justice in the courts of the state. It is composed of the elected District Attorneys General from the state’s 32 judicial districts. www.tndagc.org

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