There are many prison animal programs nationwide that use dogs and horses to teach inmates life enhancing skills and lower rates of recidivism. Over the last decade, there has been a rising demand for pet assisted therapies. ABC News says, “It has been scientifically proven that animals reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a healthy mental state of mind”. 

Shelter dogs are given to and trained by inmates to help people with emotional and physical needs. The dogs that are selected are the ones who are considered at risk dogs. The at-risk dogs are categorized as those that would have been euthanized or were seized from dog-fighting, abusive or hoarding environments. 

ABC News lays out in detail the screening process both dogs and inmates go through to make sure no foul play and bad behavior will occur, “Inmates who have been charged with any violent or animal-related crimes are not eligible, and they also cannot have had any behavioral issues while incarcerated, so participating in the program is essentially a reward for good behavior. The dogs go through assessments with a canine aggression and behavior expert.” 

The training process takes about 2-3 months to complete and gives the inmates professional experience for their resume. Many of the dogs that go through these programs were going to be killed and now they are saving lives. They are improving inmates’ mental health and wellbeing by offering unconditional love. Many inmates shared it was the “first time they felt unconditional love” and the “first time they were able to care for someone other than themselves,”. For some, these experiences are life changing.