Arkansas Paws in Prison is a 501(c)(3) committed to rehabilitating inmates and giving shelter dogs a second chance at life through a mutually beneficial, inmate instructed, canine training program. Inmates work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Paws in Prison collaborates with animal shelters and rescues throughout the state of Arkansas to save stray dogs, owner surrenders, abused and neglected dogs, and dogs from euthanizing facilities.

The benefits of this program are three-fold. The Paws in Prison program reduces the number of dogs euthanized each year in Arkansas by preparing them to be loving, obedient, and adoptable pets. Inmate trainers are able to contribute to society and acquire skills that support successful rehabilitation and re-entry into society, which improves public safety. Since the program’s inception, more than 1200 shelter dogs have been trained and adopted out to the public.