Earlier this year, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) and its healthcare partner YesCare announced a partnership with Comfort Caring Canines that introduce therapeutic dogs to the PDP jail population—offering a new approach to emotional support and comfort.
Therapy dogs offer many benefits to the incarcerated population. Mentally, their presence helps reduce stress and anxiety while improving and regulating mood. Interacting with a therapy dog can bring joy and a break from the often-stressful prison environment. Socially, these visits foster positive engagement among inmates and promote a supportive community. Physically, spending time with therapy dogs can encourage movement, lower heart rates, and even help reduce blood pressure.
“These dogs have a soothing effect on people on the housing unit,” said Dr. Bruce Herdman, Chief of Medical Operations, PDP. “They change the tone in a wonderful way. The benefits of having them interact with our incarcerated population are evident to us.”
This program is different from the PDP’s work with New Leash on Life, another program utilized by PDP to instill empathy in the incarcerated population by utilizing rescued dogs.
Each PDP therapy dog undergoes a thorough process to ensure they are well-suited for their important role. Comfort Caring Canines requires all participating dogs to complete either a six to eight week obedience dog-training course or earn the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen certification, which evaluates a dog’s ability to follow basic commands, remain calm in public spaces, and demonstrate excellent behavior when interacting with people and other dogs.
Therapy dog visits take place in both individual and group settings. These interactions provide inmates with emotional support, helping them build resilience and improve their overall well-being. The positive impact is felt by the individuals and the broader jail community, as the presence of therapy dogs contributes to a more peaceful and connected atmosphere.
Introducing therapy dogs to Philadelphia prisons shows how innovative approaches can address the unique challenges incarcerated individuals face. By promoting mental, social, and physical wellness, these dogs are more than just companions—they’re agents of change, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
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