Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 30, 2026

Cell dog

A cell dog is a rescue dog that is being housed with a prison inmate, with the goal of improving the lives of both. These dogs are placed through a collaboration between the prison and an animal shelter. The inmates attempt to make the dog "adoptable" through obedience training, learning the skills of dog-training in the process. Additionally, both dog and inmate gain companionship and socialization they might not otherwise enjoy due to their circumstances, forming a kind of animal-assisted therapy for the inmates through human–canine bonding.

Last revised
Jun 30, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
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141 w
Citations
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Source
Wikipedia ↗

A cell dog is a rescue dog that is being housed with a prison inmate, with the goal of improving the lives of both. These dogs are placed through a collaboration between the prison and an animal shelter. The inmates attempt to make the dog "adoptable" through obedience training, learning the skills of dog-training in the process. Additionally, both dog and inmate gain companionship and socialization they might not otherwise enjoy due to their circumstances, forming a kind of animal-assisted therapy for the inmates through human–canine bonding.1234567

References

References

  1. Cell Dogs extends to Richland County
  2. Donations to fund 'cell dog' program
  3. Saving Grace: Abused dog gets chance for better life
  4. Activists urge ministry to adopt ‘cell dog program’
  5. 5 'Second Chance' dogs seek forever homes Archived April 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  6. Inmates train dogs in prison program
  7. A Second Chance