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SCI Program

two inmates petting a couple of dogs

Stanley Correctional Institution (SCI) in Stanley, WI, partners with Can Do Canines to help raise and train future assistance dogs.

Two carefully chosen inmates are assigned to each of our puppies. Together, the inmates provide round-the-clock care for the puppy, as well as basic obedience training and basic assistance dog training, such as opening doors and retrieving items.

As important as this Prison Program experience is for the puppies, it is also crucial that they learn good house manners and get exposed to as many social and public situations as possible during their first, formative year. Foster volunteers are asked to review and work on house manners, go on walks in a neighborhood, and socialize the puppy to things they would not encounter in prison. Examples are household noises, like dishwashers, vacuums, other pets, and children.

Foster Opportunities with Stanley Correctional Institution

woman with dog in cape

Prison Break Fosters

Prison Break Fosters work with a dog for a two-week timeframe—either a Monday-to-Monday or a Friday-to-Friday. Pickup and drop -off is handled on prison grounds. Volunteers take the puppy in public to locations such as a grocery store, shopping mall, auto body shop, library, and more.

young dog sitting on blankets in x-pen

Weekend Prison Sitter

Weekend Prison Sitters commit to taking a dog twice a month. Pickup and drop-off is handled on prison grounds by the volunteer and a prison employee at the main entrance. Sitters must be available to pick up from the prison on Fridays and drop off on Mondays. Sitters do not take the dog in public.

Man posing with a yellow Lab wearing a red Can Do Canines service dog vest

Foster Requirements

  • Must be 18 or older
  • Must live in Western WI
  • Must be willing to travel to Stanley, WI

Intact dogs, fostering with other organizations, and unfenced yards are all allowed. Review a list of other frequently asked questions on our FAQ page.

Apply to Volunteer

Complete an online application found here to get started. A staff member will be in contact with you soon regarding your application.

Have questions?

Our Puppy Program team would be happy to talk with you. Please email our team at puppyprogram@candocanines.org or call 763-331-3000.