The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has partnered with Ironwood State Prison to bring people and animals together to help save and change lives through a novel foster program. Thirty-one RivCo dogs started the foster program with incarcerated men at the state prison located in Blythe, where the dogs can socialize, exercise and learn new manners outside of the stressful shelter environment.
As one of the largest sheltering systems in the country taking in over 35,000 animals in 2024, RCDAS continues to operate in critically overcrowded shelters for dogs, and this new program is a unique opportunity to help both people and pets. The human foster participants were screened and selected by prison staff and share daily caretaking responsibilities for the dogs.
“This program is all about community and learning new ways people and pets can support each other,” said Jaclyn Schart, RCDAS Deputy Director of Programs and Operations. “These dogs get to play, socialize and build connection with their caretakers who are also teaching them new skills, so when it’s time for adoption the dogs are better prepared to transition into their new environment.”…