Skip to the page content
Your donations
Passes our checks

Courthouse Dogs Foundation

EIN 46-0577127 · Seattle, WA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong92 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The mission of Courthouse Dogs Foundation is to promote justice with compassion partnering with professionally trained facility dogs to provide support to everyone in the justice system. Most of these dogs are utilized to support children who have been victims of abuse, helping them feel safe enough to talk with a detective, a forensic interviewer and participate in legal proceedings, including testifying in court. A courthouse facility dog is a professionally trained dog that is placed with a legal professional for the purpose of providing support to individuals in the criminal justice system.

Income
$171,812
Spending
$117,631
Spent on programs
85%
Reserves
10.2 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 83%
Employees
1
Volunteers
11
Highest pay
$41,283, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 80% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 10.2 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 32% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 73% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    85% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 85% of charities in its peer group (crime and legal services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $51,205 spent. Program Development: design, develop and execute on programs that help us begin new Courthouse Dogs Programs and sustain, and support existing ones.
  2. $45,737 spent. Education & Outreach: As an independent nonprofit organization, Courthouse Dogs Foundation promotes justice with compassion by advocating for the use of professionally trained facility dogs handled by criminal justice professionals to provide emotional comfort to everyone in the legal system. We accomplish this mission by: a) Educating members of the public and legal professionals about the benefits of having a courthouse facility dog assist them in their work. Guiding governmental agencies (prosecutor offices and law enforcement agencies) and nonprofit organizations (child advocacy centers and victim advocacy groups) in program development using a best practices model.
  3. $2,453 spent. Research: This program is dedicated to encouraging and facilitating scientific research on the use of courthouse dogs within the judicial system. Ultimately, our goal is to provide a solid foundation of research that demonstrates the positive impact of courthouse facility dogs, helping to advocate for their expanded use in courts nationwide. By fostering a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice, we strive to enhance the effectiveness of the judicial process and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need during challenging legal experiences.
  4. $500 spent. ADI Partnership & Support: this program supports nonprofit service dog organizations that train and place courthouse dogs as accredited members of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Through our program, we aim to enhance the capabilities of these organizations by offering resources,experience, connection and training, that facilitate the effective training of courthouse facility dogs. We are committed to ensuring that these service dogs meet the rigorous standards set by ADI, which guarantees their proficiency and effectiveness in various courtroom scenarios.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 2013.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.