Truckee Court Adds Therapy Dogs for Youth
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe and the Truckee court launched a Pet Therapy Program using certified therapy dog teams.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Dogs
The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe and the Truckee Branch of Nevada County Superior Court have launched a Pet Therapy Program that brings certified therapy dogs to youth and families involved in court proceedings. Two volunteer teams certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs take part in the program.
Why it matters
The program aims to ease stress and anxiety for children and families facing court proceedings in Truckee. It offers comfort and emotional support to people in an otherwise difficult setting.
The program uses two certified therapy dog teams that visit once or twice a month before juvenile proceedings. The source does not say how many youth or families have participated to date.
The players
Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe
A local animal welfare organization that operates the Pet-Assisted Therapy program in partnership with the court.
Judge Yvette Durant
A Truckee-area judge who championed the program and has worked in the courthouse for nearly 30 years.
The details
Jeff and his dog Lily, and Nina and her dog Leo, are the two volunteer teams in the program. A therapy dog can sit beside a young person required to testify, and visits to a testifying young person are arranged as needed.
Timeline
Pet Therapy Program recently launched at the Truckee court.
Therapy dog teams visit youth and loved ones once or twice a month before juvenile proceedings.
Pet Therapy in Courts
The Truckee program uses teams certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, bringing a standardized therapy dog credential into juvenile court proceedings. It extends the use of certified therapy dogs beyond hospitals and schools into the justice system.
Families with youth facing juvenile court proceedings in Truckee may encounter a therapy dog team during visits. The program offers a calming presence for children who may be required to testify.
The takeaway
Programs that bring certified therapy dogs into stressful settings can give young people a source of comfort during difficult proceedings. Families facing court involvement can ask local humane societies about similar support options.
Further reading
Explore more Dogs news and features for other stories about working and therapy dogs.
More information
Learn about the program on the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe programs page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sierra Sun.
