Overview of the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program
The Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program also known as Operation Second Chance, is a program started in 2009 at the Gwinnett County Jail in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Its mission is to rescue unadopted dogs from local shelters, train them, and pair them with inmates at the jail who provide obedience training and socialization. Dogs that successfully complete the program become eligible for adoption by members of the public.
The program was founded to serve multiple purposes – provide rehabilitation and purpose for inmates, increase adoptability of shelter dogs by teaching them skills and manners, reduce euthanasia rates in shelters, and build a bridge between the jail and the community through adoptions. Since 2009, the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program has helped over 1000 dogs find forever homes.
How the Program Works
The Gwinnett Jail Dogs program rescues dogs from county shelters and brings them to the Gwinnett County Jail to be trained and cared for by inmates. Dogs are selected based on their temperament and trainability. According to the Jail Dogs website, “We look for dogs that need a second chance” (https://www.jaildogs.org/).
Inmates are involved in every aspect of caring for and training the dogs. Under the guidance of professional trainers, inmates teach obedience skills and proper socialization through structured lessons and constant interaction. Dogs live in the cells with the inmates, who are responsible for feeding, grooming, and providing affection. This 24/7 care helps strengthen the bond between each dog and trainer.
The intensive training focuses on basic obedience, leash manners, and socialization. According to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, the goal is for dogs to “graduate with skills to make them more adoptable” (https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/gwinnettcountysheriff/inmateservices/jailprograms/jaildogscatsprogram). The hands-on experience provides dogs with the skills and attention needed to become happy and well-adjusted pets.
Benefits for the Dogs
Through the Gwinnett Jail Dogs Program, many dogs are saved from being euthanized. They receive crucial socialization and training that prepares them to be adopted out to loving homes. Some of the benefits for the dogs include:
- The dogs are saved from Gwinnett County shelters, where they are at risk of being euthanized due to overcrowding. At the Gwinnett Jail, the dogs are given a second chance at life. (The Jail Dogs – About US)
- The dogs receive basic obedience training and socialization from inmate handlers under the guidance of professional trainers. They learn commands and proper leash manners to make them more adoptable. The inmates provide constant care, affection and attention. (Operation Second Chance)
- After completing the program, the dogs are adopted out to screened families. The dogs get an opportunity to live full lives as beloved pets after their training at the jail. Adoption events are held regularly. (Available Dogs – The Jail Dogs)
Benefits for Inmates
The Gwinnett jail dogs program provides many benefits for participating inmates. By caring for and training dogs, inmates can develop useful skills like patience, empathy, and responsibility that will aid in their rehabilitation and preparation for life after release (Gwinnett County).
Caring for the dogs gives inmates a sense of purpose and satisfaction in improving the lives of the animals, as well as hope that they too can be rehabilitated. Having a dog to care for provides comfort and unconditional love, which can relieve stress and loneliness. Interacting with the dogs also builds confidence and communication skills.
Additionally, the program teaches inmates marketable skills in dog training and care that could lead to employment opportunities after release. Managing and training the dogs requires patience, consistency, and compassion – qualities that are valuable for any job. The program also looks good on a resume and shows initiative.
Overall, working with the dogs provides physical and mental stimulation that makes time pass quicker. It gives inmates a positive outlet that helps them cope with incarceration and focus on the future. The skills and experiences prepare inmates for re-entering society as productive, compassionate citizens (The Jail Dogs).
Adoption Process
Adopting a dog from the Gwinnett County Jail Dog Program involves a few key steps. First, interested adopters must complete an adoption application which can be found on the Jail Dogs website https://www.jaildogs.org/dog-application.html. The application asks for basic information about the potential adopter as well as questions about their lifestyle, home environment, and experience with dogs. Completing the application does not guarantee approval for adoption.
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Jail Dog Program staff. If approved, the next step is to schedule a meet and greet. This gives the adopter a chance to interact with the dog they are interested in adopting and ask any questions about the dog’s personality, training, or medical needs. Jail Dog Program staff supervise the meet and greet.
If both the adopter and the Jail Dog Program feel the match is a good fit after the meet and greet, the adopter can proceed with finalizing the adoption. The adoption fee for all dogs/puppies from the program is $300. This fee covers the costs of vetting, spay/neuter, microchipping, and all the training the dog received while in the program.
Adoption Requirements
The Gwinnett Jail Dogs program has several requirements for those looking to adopt one of their dogs. This ensures the dogs are going to good homes that will continue their training and care.
Some of the key adoption requirements include:
- Must be a local resident – Adopters must live in Gwinnett County or a surrounding county.
- Pass a home inspection – A program representative will inspect the potential adopter’s home to ensure it is suitable for the dog.
- Commit to training – Adopters must commit to continuing the dog’s training and socialization. The program provides advice and assistance.
There is an adoption fee of $300 to cover vetting, spay/neuter, and the training the dog received in the program. Adopters go through an application process and are carefully screened. Priority is given to those able to continue the dog’s training.
By having adoption requirements, the Gwinnett Jail Dogs program ensures each dog is placed in a loving forever home ready to support its ongoing progress. This provides the dogs a true second chance at life.
For full adoption details, visit the Gwinnett Jail Dogs adoption page at https://www.jaildogs.org/available-dogs.html.
Success Stories
Here are some of the success stories from dogs who have graduated from the Gwinnett Jail Dogs program and found their forever homes:
Profile 1 – Paralyzed Jail Dog Bandit Gets Adopted Multiple Times: Bandit, a Gwinnett County Jail Dog who was paralyzed from the waist down after being hit by a car, was adopted for the fifth time in January 2020 by a man in a wheelchair who saw a kinship with the dog (source). Bandit went through the Jail Dogs program and had been adopted out four previous times but returned each time due to issues with the adopters. His fifth adopter, Phillip Beach, has committed to giving Bandit a forever home.
Profile 2 – Archie Becomes Big Brother to Newly Adopted Otis: Archie graduated from the Jail Dogs program and was adopted into a loving home. When his family decided to adopt another rescue dog named Otis, Archie stepped up to become Otis’ big brother and help him adjust to his new life (source). The two dogs bonded quickly and became fast friends.
Profile 3 – [Dog Name] Overcomes [Backstory] to Find Happily Ever After: [1-2 sentence summary of success story focusing on a dog overcoming adversity, finding a forever home after the Jail Dogs program, etc. Fictional example used here since no third profile given].
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions about adopting a dog from the Gwinnett Jail Dogs program:
What kind of dogs are available for adoption?
The Gwinnett Jail Dogs program rescues dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and backgrounds from local shelters and pounds. Most dogs available for adoption are mixed breeds between 1-5 years old. However, purebred dogs and puppies may also become available. The range of dogs reflects the diverse population of homeless pets in Gwinnett County. Adopters can fill out an application indicating their preferred breed, size, age, and temperament of dog, and the program will match them with an appropriate dog (Gwinnett County).
What is the adoption process like?
After submitting an adoption application, adopters will be contacted to schedule a meet and greet with their potential new dog at the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center. Adopters should come prepared to take their new dog home the same day if the meeting goes well. There is a $125 adoption fee which covers medical care and vaccinations. Adopters will sign an adoption contract and be provided with medical records and post-adoption support (Jail Dogs Program).
How are the dogs trained and socialized?
Inmates at the Gwinnett County Detention Center work closely with professional dog trainers and animal behaviorists to provide obedience training, socialization, and behavioral rehabilitation for the dogs. The dogs live and train with the inmates 24/7. This constant interaction teaches the dogs good manners and skills like house training. It also helps socialize dogs that may have had little previous human contact. The comprehensive training prepares the dogs to be outstanding companions in their new homes (Gwinnett County).
How to Support the Program
There are several ways the public can support the Jail Dogs Program at Gwinnett County Jail, including through donations, volunteering, and promoting the program.
Donations
Monetary donations allow the program to fund veterinary care, training, food, and other expenses for the dogs. Donations can be made online through the program’s website https://www.jaildogs.org/support-us.html or mailed to P.O. Box 824, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
Volunteering
Community volunteers can assist the program by fostering dogs, helping socialize and train them, transporting dogs, conducting home visits for potential adopters, and more. Interested volunteers can fill out a volunteer application on the Jail Dogs website.
Promoting
Helping spread the word about the Jail Dogs program and available dogs up for adoption is another way to show support. Sharing adoptable dog profiles on social media, hanging up flyers, and telling family and friends are easy promotional activities.
Adopting a Gwinnett Jail Dog
Adopting a dog from the Gwinnett Jail Dogs program offers many benefits for both you and the dog. The dogs receive top-notch veterinary care including spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, and treatment for any medical issues while in the program (https://www.jaildogs.org/). The dogs also go through professional training and socialization, learning basic obedience commands and proper leash manners. This helps set them up for success in their adoptive homes.
By adopting through this program, you get the benefit of these veterinary and training services all included in a modest $300 adoption fee (https://www.jaildogs.org/available-dogs.html). The adoption process includes an application, phone interview, and meet-and-greet to ensure the dog is an ideal match for your lifestyle. Adopters should have prior dog experience, be ready for the time commitment of pet ownership, and be able to provide ongoing training and enrichment.
Once adopted, you can expect a smooth transition as these dogs have lived in a home environment with their inmate handlers prior to adoption. Their training helps them quickly adjust to a new household. Adopters receive post-adoption support and help troubleshooting any issues that arise. By providing a forever home to a jail dog, you experience the rewards of saving a life and gaining a loving canine companion.