What pets do Supreme Court justices have?

Alito had Zeus the spaniel; O'Connor a stray dog Susie; Gorsuch horses, chickens, goat; Barrett a chinchilla. Others

Did Justice Alito really let his dog pick cases?

He joked about treats on briefs — Zeus chose sides. Lighthearted chambers hack, not literal law.

Which justice grew up with the most animals?

Sandra Day O'Connor — ranch life meant bobcats, tortoises, cattle galore.

SCOTUS Pets: Furry Advisors in the Highest Court

Supreme Court justices aren't all briefs and benches. Some chambers hide tails, paws, and even goats — revealing the softer side of America's top jurists.

theAIcatchup Apr 08, 2026 5 min read

Illustration of Supreme Court justices with their pets including a spaniel, chinchilla, and goat

⚡ Key Takeaways

Justices' pets humanize the bench, from Alito's case-testing dog to Gorsuch's farmyard crew. 𝕏
Limited info highlights privacy needs amid public scrutiny. 𝕏
Animal stories reveal personal roots shaping legal minds. 𝕏

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theAIcatchup

Where law meets technology.

#Amy Coney Barrett #Justice Alito dog #Neil Gorsuch #Neil Gorsuch animals #SCOTUS justices #SCOTUS pets #Samuel Alito #Samuel Alito dog #Supreme Court justices #Supreme Court pets #legal human element

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Originally reported by SCOTUSblog

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