CANINE CELLMATES--FULTON COUNTY'S JAIL DOG PROGRAM

Canine CellMates--Fulton County's Jail Dog Program in Atlanta, GA

Canine CellMates was established in June 2013 as a specialized jail dog program in collaboration with the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia. The program maintains ongoing partnerships with Fulton County Animal Services, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fulton County Jail. This collaboration enables us to rescue dogs from shelters, provide veterinary care, train them, and ultimately prepare them for adoption, while positively impacting inmates and the broader community. Our mission is to enhance the lives of both inmates at the Fulton County Jail and shelter dogs rescued from Fulton County Animal Services. Through a comprehensive 16-week course that includes education, training, and overall care for the dogs, we aim to create positive transformations for both the dogs and the inmates. During this program, each inmate trains two dogs sequentially. Our objective is for the dogs to successfully complete the Canine Good Citizen test and graduate into loving forever homes. We also strive to equip inmates with valuable job skills, fostering a renewed sense of purpose for both the dogs and the inmates. All dogs chosen for our program undergo thorough temperament assessments conducted by our Behavior Assessment team. Upon their arrival at the dormitory-style setting within the Fulton County Jail, each dog is paired with a primary inmate handler, and sometimes a secondary handler, allowing more inmates to participate and ensuring continuity for the dog in case one handler departs. Training sessions throughout the 16-week program are led by certified dog trainers and training assistants who employ positive reinforcement methods to teach inmates how to train and care for the dogs. In addition to classroom instruction, inmates spend daily time bonding with their dogs, reinforcing the skills learned. Our program also includes a strong educational aspect, featuring guest speakers who address topics such as Breed Specific Legislation, the dangers of tethering, resources like Ahimsa House, and insights from professionals in the animal rescue community. A recurring theme is that one person can make a difference, and we believe that knowledge leads to better actions. The significance of this program lies in its ability to transform lives—both canine and human—by offering second chances. Both inmates and dogs often experience isolation and rejection, but their interactions foster a renewed sense of hope as they support one another. Inmates benefit in numerous ways, including learning responsibility through caring for a living being, accountability in achieving goals, experiencing the joy of unconditional love, and gaining confidence as they work towards positive outcomes. These experiences contribute to their development as law-abiding, productive members of society. Research indicates that facilities with jail dog programs have seen a significant reduction in violent outbursts, sometimes by as much as 50%. Additionally, recidivism rates have improved dramatically. The Atlanta metro area has historically had one of the highest recidivism rates in the country, approximately 70% within the first two years of release. Programs like Canine CellMates are expected to help lower this rate over time. At Fulton County Animal Services, 30 to 40 animals are added daily to an already overcrowded shelter. Unfortunately, many healthy and adoptable dogs are euthanized due to space constraints. Canine CellMates collaborates with FCAS to address this critical issue by providing community outreach, education, and helping to find permanent homes for the dogs in our program.