A prison puppy program keeps changing lives.
At California Health Care Facility in Stockton, incarcerated handlers help raise future service dogs while practicing responsibility, patience, service, and connection.
A person living inside a prison is helping prepare another living being to give someone else greater independence.
What is happening here
Canine Companions’ Stockton prison puppy-raising work is a supporting reentry pathway rather than a housing program: handlers care for and train future service dogs, contributing to another person’s independence while building purpose and responsibility before release.
The connection
- Incarcerated puppy raiser
- Future service dog
- Person who may receive greater independence
The fruit
- Future service dogs receive sustained daily care, socialization, and training.
- Incarcerated handlers practice responsibility, patience, service, and connection.
- Dogs that complete the program can move toward professional training and eventual placement with people who need assistance.
Moments
Robert, an incarcerated puppy raiser at California Health Care Facility in Stockton, donated $100 of his prison wages to Canine Companions after raising a puppy named Nashi. The organization later reported that a matching campaign built around his gift raised $10,000, and Robert subsequently donated another $100.
Canine CompanionsTisha, a Canine Companions puppy who was not yet ready for advanced training, was placed in the California Health Care Facility puppy program for additional development. CDCR reported in March 2026 that after several months she showed improved discipline and confidence and earned the opportunity to continue advanced training.
California Department of Corrections and RehabilitationSources
Small acts of care can cross unlikely boundaries.
Your attention, time, and support help real work keep moving forward.