Overview
Puppies Behind Bars trains incarcerated individuals to raise puppies as service dogs for wounded war veterans, as well as explosive detection canines for law enforcement and first responders. The puppies live with the puppy raisers for the duration of the basic training of commands and routines. The puppy raisers learn to groom, feed, water, exercise and train the puppies. Staff from a community organization, Puppies Behind Bars, teaches the coursework.
Staff can also get involved as weekend puppy sitters. Puppy raisers who successfully complete the training receive the job title of Animal Caretaker on their permanent file, as well as a certificate of completion from Puppies Behind Bars. Qualified individuals in the Puppies Behind Bars program can participate in a distance learning veterinarian assistant course funded by the Puppies Behind Bars organization.
The goal of the program is to provide guide dogs for blind people and to teach incarcerated individuals the skills to become animal caregivers.
The program runs for 16 months, and testing is conducted by the Puppies Behind Bars organization.
To participate, the following are considered:
- High school diploma or HSE.
- Nature of crime.
- Medications.
- Disciplinary record.
- Time in facility and time to parole.
Offered at Bedford Hills, Fishkill, Otisville and Wallkill.
Eligibility
Learn more about the eligibility criteria required for participation in the Puppies Behind Bars program.
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Puppies Behind Bars Eligibility Requirements
Puppies Behind bars is a rigorous program that requires much study and training before an incarcerated individual will be placed with a dog. It is also a program that would qualify for Limited Credit Time Program credit. Eligible individuals must agree to sign a participation agreement and contract.
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A Look at Puppies Behind Bars
