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.
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
