Baja California’s dog-assisted therapy program for children who are victims of violence has reached more than 1,100 young people since its launch in August 2023. Governor Marina del Pilar announced on July 7 that the program will now expand to Mexicali with the addition of a new certified therapy dog.
The program operates inside the state’s Centros de Justicia para las Mujeres (CEJUM), or Women’s Justice Centers, which provide legal and psychological support to victims of gender-based violence. A new canine-psychologist team will join the Mexicali center: a therapy dog named Vera, paired with psychologist Citlali Robles López.
Over 1,100 Children Served Since 2023
Since its debut in Tijuana nearly two years ago, the program has served 1,103 children and adolescents. The therapy dogs accompany minors through legal proceedings and prosecution processes related to gender-based violence, which can be traumatic for young victims.
In Tijuana, a German shepherd named Toña works alongside a staff psychologist at the city’s CEJUM. The San Quintín location has delivered more than 100 therapy sessions and 1,680 hours of supervised play-space support for children.
How the Program Works
The model combines specialized psychological care with play areas and trained therapy dogs. The goal is to create a sense of trust and safety for children while they participate in the justice system. Each “canine team” consists of a certified dog paired with a licensed psychologist who guides the therapeutic sessions.
The expansion to Mexicali means the program now operates in three locations across Baja California: Tijuana, San Quintín, and the state capital. Mexicali is home to more than one million residents and serves as the administrative seat of state government.
Dog-assisted therapy is a growing practice in victim-support programs across Mexico. The animals help reduce anxiety and create calmer environments for children who must recount difficult experiences to authorities. For minors navigating court appearances and interviews with prosecutors, the presence of a trained dog can lower stress and make the process more manageable.
This story was first reported by Punto Norte.