Award: Puppies for Parole

November 13, 2015

Innovations in American Government Awards

  • AWARD WON: 2015 Semifinalist
  • AWARDEE: Puppies for Parole
  • DESIGNEE: State of Missouri
  • JURISDICTION: Missouri

The Puppies for Parole (P4P) program provides a safe, stable environment for dogs that have been abused or abandoned, with a goal of creating adoptable animals suitable for a variety of community settings. In addition, the program creates an atmosphere for offenders to engage in positive behaviors. Through P4P, each of Missouri’s prisons partnered with local shelters, the humane society, and animal shelters. Since inception, more than 2,500 fully trained and socialized dogs, which are trained to pass the American Kennel Club’s certification for obedience, have been adopted.