Our Story
In 2007, we launched one of the nation’s first juvenile ward programs at the Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility in Chino, CA. The program at OC Probation started in 2009 and was the first in Orange County, CA involving juvenile ward trainers. Our program at James A. Musick Facility has been active since 2013.
Our program dogs are rescues from local animal shelters. Once a group of dogs is selected, we bring them into incarceration facilities where designated trainers care for the dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Before teaming up with one of the dogs, program trainers first participate in four weeks of lecture classes. Then, over the next 8–10 weeks, they teach their canine students good manners and basic obedience. Upon successful completion, each dog is adopted into a loving home.
During classes, some dogs exhibit special aptitude, and these canines receive advanced training afterwards in order to become working service dogs.
We significantly impact local communities in a number of ways. Since its inception, Cell Dogs has successfully rescued, trained, and placed over 300 dogs into new homes. The program goes much further than simply reducing euthanasia rates and saving costs at local shelters: it transforms all program participants, providing them (and the dogs they train) with a valuable second chance at leading productive and responsible lives. Dog adoption is also made easier as people looking for a shelter pup are not always equipped to handle an untrained or unsocialized animal.
For additional details and application information please visit our website: www.celldogs.org
