PFT in Prisons 

There are many prison pet programs in existence in such countries as 
Canada, United States, England, Scotland, Australia, and South 
Africa. In Canada, there is an active PFT program active at the Nova 
Institution for Women in Truro, Nova Scotia, and another about to be 
re-implemented in the Burnaby Correctional Center for Women. At 
Nova, Pawsitive Directions aims to introduce women inmates to the 
basics of dog husbandry and training (Logan, 1996). As well, since 
1992, the Burnaby Correctional Center for Women (BCCW) in British 
Columbia has had a canine program. It has recently been reviewed and 
modified in order to re-establish the program at that institution. 
The types of animals used and the format of the program varies 
widely. Animals used in the various PFT programs include mice, 
guinea pigs, birds, fish, horses, cats and dogs, farm animals, wild 
animals, domestic animals, and exotic animals; though dogs are the 
most common. Pets provide unconditional love and acceptance; they 
offer spontaneous affection and undying loyalty (Cusack, 1988). 
Offenders often experience loneliness as an impact of incarceration; 
and animals have been shown to significantly reduce feelings of 
isolation and frustration (Moneymaker and Strimple, 1991).
Some prisons establish the program for the sole benefit of the 
inmates (e.g. the PAL program in Lorton, Virginia) while others 
implement PFT with the added goal of saving unwanted animals. (e.g. 
Friends For Folks program in Lexington, Oklahoma). Descriptions of 
these programs will be provided in the section entitled Therapeutic 
Aspects. An overview of the different types of programs is presented 
in below.

Program Description

Visitation ProgramsCompanion animals brought by humane society 
or non-profit organization
Wildlife Rehabilitation ProgramsInmates care for injured 
wildlife which are then released
Livestock Care ProgramsCalf raising by juvenile offenders
Fish breeding, livestock care
Pet ProgramsCompanion animals owned and cared for by 
individual inmates
Assistance Animal Socialization ProgramsGuide or hearing 
dogs/puppies raised by inmates
Vocational & Community Service ProgramsInmates care for wild 
horses
Inmates groom and train companion and assistance dogs

The following is a list of PFT programs successfully implemented in 
correctional institutions and still active today:
CountryName of Program
CanadaPawsitive Directions, Nova Institution for Women in 
Truro, Nova Scotia
Burnaby Correctional Center for Women (BCCW) Canine Program 
in Burnaby, British Columbia
United StatesPrison-Pet Partnership Program (PPPP), Washington 
State Correction Center for Women (WCCW) in Gig Harbor, WA
Friends For Folks Program, Lexington Correctional Center in 
Lexington, Oklahoma
People-Animals Love (PAL) Program, District of Columbia 
Correctional Facility in Lorton, Virginia
EnglandThe Garth Prison Pet Program in Lancashire
ScotlandCommunity Services Aquatic Club, Saughton Prison in 
Edinburgh
AustraliaGuide Dog Program, Beechworth Training Prison in 
Beechworth, Victoria
Pets as Therapy Program (PAT), Adelaide Women’s Prison in 
Northfield, South Australia
South AfricaCompanion Animal Programs, Department of 
Correctional Services

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