Puppy Programs

Read the latest edition of All Paws on Deck, the official newsletter of the DOC's puppy programs

Dog training programs began in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in 2001 when Canine Partners for Life partnered with SCI Cambridge Springs. Since then they have expanded to nearly each state prison in Pennsylvania.

There are two main types of canine programs in PA: service dog training and adoption training. For service dog training, incarcerated handlers work with partner programs to raise puppies to become service dogs for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. For adoption training, handlers work with puppies and dogs from local rescues and train them in socialization and obedience to make them more adoptable.

Whatever puppy program you encounter, you will be able to witness the benefits to the staff, inmates and the community alike!

State Program List