Pocatello Cell Dog Program

The Pocatello Cell Dog Program is a collaborative effort between the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center, The Bannock Humane Society and the Pocatello Animal Shelter to allow inmates a chance to give back to the community by helping stop the needless destruction of companion animals through training and socialization.

The Pocatello Cell Dog Program is based on a nationwide model that unites inmates and homeless dogs for the purpose of socializing the dogs to make them more adoptable for families in the community. The dog learns basic obedience and qualifications for Canine Good Citizenship status. The inmates benefit from the chance to serve the community and contribute to a project that modifies their behavior by learning patience, responsibility, delayed gratification, consistency and other basic parenting skills.

How are the dogs selected?

The dogs are selected from the many homeless dogs that find their way to the Pocatello Animal Shelter or to the Bannock Humane Society foster homes. Vaccinations for upper respiratory and parvo-virus are given and they are put through a series of behavior tests by our trainer. The dog is then taken to the veterinarian for a thorough exam, spayed or neutered if needed and vaccinated for rabies.

What training do the dogs receive?

Once placed at the prison the dog spends 24-7 with their inmate handlers and receives intensive training each day.

They are taught the basic commands of:
Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, Down, Down Stay.

In addition to the basic commands, we also endeavor to give the dog some fun tricks and behaviors to bring together a stronger bond with the adopting family. Some examples of the tricks are:
Saying Prayers, Fetch, Roll Over, Crawl, Hide and Seek.

When the dog is ready for adoption, the dog would be ready to pass a Good Canine Citizen test.

Adoption Questions?

The adoption fee for a Cell Dog is higher at the current rate of $185.00 plus tax. This is a great deal for adopting a dog that has had basic training, is spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, and microchipped.

The new family can also attend some training classes with our trainer to learn what the dog has learned so they can continue working with the dog.

To see more about what dog is currently in the program, see our posting on Petfinder.com. In the search area, type in you are looking for a dog and the zip code of 83201. Look at the Pocatello Animal Shelter’s adoptable list and find the dog with Cell Dog as part of their name.

Download the Application

Special Thanks

Karen Collins of K5 Kennels for her dedication to this program. Thanks for your expertise and time as our dog and handler trainer.

PETCO Foundation

Idaho National Laboratory through corporate funds from Battelle Energy Alliance

Alta Animal Hospital

Cable One Advertising

Pocatello Railroad Credit Union through the Animal Planet

"Be A Hero" charitable campaign