Cell Dogs, Inc.

Cell Dogs, Inc. rescues dogs from local shelters and enrolls them in basic obedience training programs. These classes, which take place in correctional facilities, actively involve inmate trainers. We make sure all dogs are lovingly adopted.

Cell Dogs harnesses the power of the human-animal bond and transforms lives by setting a new course for shelter dogs and incarcerated individuals. By providing second chances, we make a lasting difference in our communities.

Rescuing unwanted dogs reduces euthanasia rates and gives each dog a chance at a new life. Their happy adoptive families are proof positive that shelter dogs make great pets.

We rehabilitate juveniles and adults in correctional institutions by teaching responsibility and imparting crucial life and job skills. In becoming contributing members of the community, the people who grow through our programs are far less likely to reoffend.

Cell Dogs' programs at OC Probation-Juvenile Hall and James A. Musick Facility have been running for many years with great success. We are building on this foundation, working to partner with other interested institutions so that more incarcerated people can learn crucial life and job skills.

We started working with shelter dogs and correctional institutions in 2007 and have since implemented 6 programs at institutions serving either incarcerated adults or minors. Some members of our organization have been training dogs for over 25 years. Collectively, we have 100+ years of training experience.

Since its inception, Cell Dogs has successfully rescued, trained and placed over 300 dogs into new homes. Recidivism rates for program participants show that Cell Dogs is an important factor in keeping individuals from returning to an institutionalized life.

As we continue working to expand our programs to new institutions, we have launched a new program to train dogs for individuals with PTSD (we have placed our first PTSD service animal in 2018).

Additionally, we have updated our organization's brand (including PR and online presence) to better reach the general public and our donors. We continue to look for events where we can meet and educate our community and build partnerships with local shelters and animal sanctuaries.