Las Vegas Declares December 1 as Courtroom Critters Day — And Our Hearts Are Full
On December 1, 2025, something extraordinary happened for our little team with the big mission:
Mayor Shelley Berkley officially proclaimed December 1 as Courtroom Critters Day in the City of Las Vegas.
To say we are honored doesn’t even come close.
In her proclamation, Mayor Berkley recognized the heart of our work — our therapy dogs and their handlers who show up, day after day, to support victims, witnesses, first responders, and anyone who steps into the courtroom carrying fear, trauma, or uncertainty. She acknowledged exactly what we strive to bring into every room we enter:
comfort, reassurance, emotional support, and a sense of safety when people need it most.
Her words highlighted the impact these dogs make — how they calm anxiety, reduce fear, and create space for clearer communication, especially for children and survivors of trauma. And she honored our dedicated volunteers whose compassion and commitment strengthen our justice system and enrich our community.
Why This Day Matters
Courtroom Critters was founded on a simple but profound belief:
No one should walk through trauma alone.
Our Elite Therapy Dog Teams serve the greater Las Vegas area — including Henderson, Boulder City, and all of Southern Nevada — with plans to expand into Northern Nevada soon. We work side-by-side with:
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center
Police departments
Lawyers and victim advocates
Domestic violence shelters
First responder groups
Community organizations supporting survivors and witnesses
Our handlers are trained and tested annually through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), ensuring every dog meets strict behavioral, veterinary, and liability standards. Many of our handlers are also certified victim advocates through the University of Nevada Reno HOPE team.
And we do all of this without charging a fee.
We are completely volunteer-driven and proudly supported by generous businesses, donors, and community members who believe in the healing power of a dog’s presence.
A Recent Moment That Says It All
Just last month, one of our teams supported a young survivor preparing to testify. She hadn’t said a single word during previous interviews. But when she sat down and placed her hand on our therapy dog’s back, everything changed. Her breathing steadied. Her shoulders dropped. And for the first time, she felt safe enough to speak.
That little moment — that brave breath, that gentle connection — is why Courtroom Critters exists.
And now, our city has chosen to honor moments like these with a day of recognition we’ll cherish forever.
Celebrate With Us — And Help Us Grow
Courtroom Critters Day is not just for us.
It’s for the victims who found courage, the witnesses who felt supported, the first responders who needed a moment of grounding, and the community that believes in compassion.
If this work speaks to you, there are three powerful ways to celebrate with us:
1. Make a Donation
Your support keeps our volunteer program running, ensures our dogs stay certified and insured, and allows us to serve more people across Nevada.
2. Become a Volunteer
Whether you’re a handler with a qualified dog or someone who wants to support behind the scenes, we’d love to welcome you.
3. Share Courtroom Critters Day
Tell a friend. Post a photo. Celebrate the incredible dogs and humans who show up when it matters most.
From the Bottom of Our Hearts—Thank You
To Mayor Shelley Berkley, the City of Las Vegas, every volunteer, every dog, every partner organization, and everyone who has believed in our mission:
Thank you.
This proclamation is a milestone we will never forget — and a reminder that healing, hope, and justice can coexist when compassion is allowed into the room.
Happy Courtroom Critters Day.
Let’s keep doing this important work, together.