Courtroom facility dogs are specially trained working dogs that provide quiet emotional support to individuals involved in legal proceedings. Often handled by a professional such as a victim advocate, these dogs help reduce stress and anxiety for vulnerable witnesses while they give testimony or participate in interviews.

Their calm presence can make it easier for people to communicate clearly and feel safe in what can otherwise be an intimidating environment, without interfering with the legal process.

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In this episode, we explore what service dogs actually do for trauma. And what they don’t.

We unpack the difference between task-trained psychiatric service dogs and emotional support, look at how dogs may help with grounding, regulation, safety, and day-to-day functioning, and talk honestly about the limits of this work.

We also discuss the realities of public access, including the attention and questions that can come with bringing a dog into public, and why animal welfare has to remain part of the conversation.

Rather than treating service dogs as a cure-all, this episode offers a more grounded look at how they can become one meaningful part of trauma support, recovery, and daily life.

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PTSD isn't one story-and it's time we start acting like it.

In this episode of Unleashed: The Service Dog Gals, Megan and Bridget unpack the dominant narrative around PTSD, who gets seen and supported, and who is still being left out-especially survivors of violence

From funding gaps to service dog access, this is an honest, unsanitized conversation about trauma, systems and the real cost of being overlooked

Content note: This episode includes discussions of trauma, violence, and PTSD. Listener discretion advised.

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IMMEDIATE CRISIS SUPPORT (24/7)

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988
Available 24/7, bilingual support

Kids Help Phone (Youth)
Call 1-800-668-6868
Text CONNECT to 686868

Online Lifeline
yourlifecounts.org
Use this website to find a crisis line near you.
Information is specific to country and
province/state.

Mental Health Line
www.mentalhealthline.org/?n=8772825422
1-(888) 703-4554

Free 24/7 Mental Health Line
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org
1-(800) 799-7233
The hotline staff offer safety planning and crisis help. They can connect you to shelters and services in your area.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Mental health services for people 16 years and up
https://cmha.ca/find-your-cmha Use this website to find a location near you.

Ending Violence
https://endingviolencecanada.org/getting-help/
Use this website to find help near you.
Information is specific to province
Hope for Wellness Helpline

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the website to connect with a counsellor on-line Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in:
• Cree
• Ojibway
• Inuktitut
https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

MENTAL HEALTH & PTSD SUPPORTS

Anxiety Canada
Tools, education, and apps like MindShift CBT and My Anxiety Plan (MAP)

ConnexOntario
Call 1-866-531-2600
Visit: connexontario.ca
Free, confidential help finding mental health & trauma services in Ontario

TRAUMA & VIOLENCE SUPPORT

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Call 1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868
24/7 confidential support
If your internet use may be monitored, consider calling from a safe device.

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
Call 1-833-900-1010
24/7 confidential support

Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
Call 1-877-232-2610
Support for victims and families

GENERAL SUPPORT

211 Canada
Dial 2-1-1
24/7 help connecting to community and social services

For more resources click here

Music Credit Ben sound

Lunar Years
Angels by my side

Follow us on instagram for additional facts and support.

@theservicedoggals