Facility Dogs
ADW Canines working with professionals in a variety of fields
Courthouse Facility Dogs
Since 2010, ADW has been at the forefront of placing these canines with professionals working in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against special victims —children, elders and people with disabilities. They help alleviate trauma associated with sexual assault medical exams, forensic interviews, supervised visitations, preparation for trial and testimony in court. They work mostly in District Attorney’s offices with victim advocates and are fluent with providing calming support in the witness box. They embody resiliency, low body movement and are capable of handling emotionally charged sessions.
Crisis Response Canines
ADW placed the first Crisis Response Canines with the FBI in 2015 as part of a rapid deployment team out of the Victim Services Division. Since that time, ADW has placed several teams that respond locally and nationally when needed. These canines are highly adaptable to unfamiliar environments. They assist professionals at Family Assistance Centers after Mass Violence Incidents such as the concert shooting in Las Vegas, NV; the Dallas, TX Police Force shooting; Pulse Nightclub, FL; and most recently at Uvalde, TX where they assisted 800+ victims and accompanied 33 children during forensic interviews after the Robb Elementary School shooting.
Peer Support Canines
This area of work has been evolving in an effort to support First Responders in many fields. Whether working with Detectives and Investigators in Special Victims Units at Police Departments or District Attorneys’ offices; on mobile EMT units out of Fire Departments; with Chaplaincy Programs; or Resource Offices in schools, their quiet and calming presence not only helps victims but also provides comfort to those experiencing secondary trauma. Each dog is chosen for her calm disposition and resiliency.
What is the Difference Between a Therapy Dog and a Facility Dog?
While the primary role of therapy dogs and facility dogs is mostly the same—to offer comfort to people in stressful situations—they are different in important ways.
Therapy dogs are pets handled by volunteers. Typically, they visit places like hospitals, children’s reading groups and nursing homes.
Facility Dogs are specially trained and handled by professionals who are educated about communicating and providing services in highly charged emotional situations, such as mass violence incidents, courthouses and special victims units. Handlers might hear disclosures from victims and be called to testify as witnesses years later.