Overview

• San Quentin's puppy training program pairs incarcerated individuals with young dogs to train them as service animals for people with disabilities.
• At a recent reunion event, trainers reconnected with the dogs they raised and met the disabled handlers now relying on the animals for assistance.
• The program, launched in 2023, has expanded to 24 correctional facilities and boasts a higher success rate for training service dogs compared to other methods.
• Trainers teach foundational skills to puppies, who later undergo professional training before being matched with handlers in need.
• Participants in the program report finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment, contributing to their rehabilitation and emotional growth.