There is a dog program in every WA prison, and these also are a part of SPP. Each one is made possible by local community partners—animal rescue and shelter organizations—who show incarcerated individuals how to be successful handlers and trainers. In this way, the incarcerated can participate daily in the rehabilitation of another.
A proud offender with his foster cat at Washington State Penitentiary. Photo taken by Marina House, DOC Staff at the Washington State Penitentiary.
Nearly all Washington State prisons host programs training dogs or cats for service animal or general training adoption. Incarcerated handlers receive training and support from partners and provide excellent animal care and obedience training. These programs are based in living units and each is uniquely adapted to the needs and capabilities of residents and unit staff. The staff involved tell us that the programs reduce stress and increase well-being for everyone involved.
Pet Program Blog Posts
Cat Program at WSP Has Staff & Inmates Smiling, Cats Purring (2013)
Perspectives from an Inmate Service Dog Trainer at Cedar Creek Corrections Center (2012)