It is not uncommon to see dogs as an essential member of many American families. Now, dogs have also become a major component in over 159 correctional facilities throughout the nation. Research has provided evidence of the benefits of involving dogs with treatment and therapy programs for prisoners. Due to great feedback and results, programs involving dog training have become increasingly popular over the years.

A study was made about the social sensitivity between prisoners with and without dogs. The prisoners with dogs improved their social sensitivity with canine interaction, probably because handlers could easily talk to strangers who also have an interest in dogs, improving their human interaction skills. Furthermore, even non-handlers can benefit from dogs being in the prison, as they are allowed to pet the dogs, promoting socializing training for the dogs in the prison. The study also suggested that inmates appreciate dogs even more behind bars, because dogs don’t judge their past mistakes, but give unconditional love if cared for and given attention to. The dogs create stimulation of love that is unbiased even though they are in prison.

Caring for dogs in correctional facilities (and caring for dogs in general) has major health benefits for the people involved. It is proven that depression is reduced and blood pressure can be lowered when a dog is present in someone’s life. Dogs also provide physiological impacts to anyone interacting with them. Inmates dealing with dogs feel a sense of responsibility, because they connect with another living animal, and in some cases this connection is the first honest connection that inmates experience. In addition, prison tensions are reduced when dogs are involved with interacting. Programs involving these dogs are how many of the inmates cope with the mistakes they have made and the harm created by them.

Many factors come into play when choosing the correct handler for each individual dog and allowing inmates to join programs involving animal care. Some determining factors include their full criminal records and how the inmate behaves in the institution. Once those seem acceptable, additional screening is done and a personality test is given in order to determine if the inmate possesses traits such as compassion and responsibility.

The animal programs that prisons provide are not only beneficial to the prisoners but to the dogs involved as well. Many of the dogs used in programs such as these are adopted from animal shelters, especially from high kill shelters. After, the dogs are then spayed or neutered, given a microchip and the proper shots, and finally brought to the handlers who will take care of them. With some variations in the process, the dogs undergo vigorous training by the prisoners (who can do so because before they get the dogs, the dogs are professionally trained by dog trainers) and 24-hour care, meaning that the dogs never leave the prisoner’s side, and stay in their cell. The dogs, after receiving the necessary (low cost) training such basic commands, can get adopted out, and have a better chance of being adopted due to the training they receive.

Many people who are against dogs being in prison believe that it is a financial burden, which will increase taxes; however, that is not the case. Many big corporations, such as Walmart, PetCo, and Petsmart, in addition to major dog food brands such as Iams and Purina, donate in order to care for the dogs. In addition, medical assistance is taken care of by local vets.

Another misconception of this program is that people think the dogs are locked up in the cell with the prisoners for most of the day. This, however, is extremely inaccurate. Throughout the day, once checking in with their counselors, inmates take their dog to an open area to play with them, so the dogs can run around and exercise properly.

Overall, dog programs should be provided in as many correctional facilities as possible due to the evident benefits they produce. Reduced health risks as well as reduced prison tensions are evident. Inmate training of these adopted dogs is inexpensive, and leads to more dogs going into better homes after learning basic commands. In addition helping dogs and giving them an opportunity to live, prisoners’ attitudes change about their way of life. This is beneficial for when inmates go on parole and get out of correctional facilities. They have a better chance of getting a job that they like and having a better quality of life (as well as a better chance of not returning to prison). Involving dogs with the daily lives of inmates is a win-win situation.