ABSTRACT
Animals' presence in rehabilitative and correctional environments offers offenders companionship and emotional warmth. American inmates are usually forbidden from owning or possessing pets in prison. In many programs pets accompany inmates to most activities, including meals, sleeping, and exercise. This requires inmates' full discipline, attention, and commitment. In the majority of prison pet programs, inmates train or socialize animals for adoption. Many varieties of partnerships have evolved in facilities throughout the country. Therapeutic programs can prepare inmates for reentry by giving them marketable, specialized job skills. Delinquent, inpatient, outpatient, and incarcerated populations reportedly benefit from pet programs. Pets in need of homes and training benefit from programs also. Communities benefit from services provided, reasonable service fees, and rehabilitative effects on offenders. However, little quantitative data demonstrates reduced rates of recidivism, though anecdotal and qualitative evidence is overwhelmingly positive.
