The WOOF Program
(Women Offering Obedience and Friendship)
Inmate-trainers in the program work with all service dog candidates from puppyhood to advanced training. They partner with our volunteer puppy raisers to give each dog the best training and often participate in our veteran’s advanced training. WOOF is at the heart of PSD.
Common Questions About the WOOF Program:
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No, the program is located in a cottage-like setting with rooms similar to bare college dorm rooms. The dogs are very safe. Women must apply for the program and undergo extensive training before they are allowed to hold a leash. The inmate-trainers are very dedicated to the dogs.
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Prison is a great place to be a dog. The inmate-trainers spend 24/7 training, playing, and grooming. PSD depends on the women to act as our professional training team. We could not accomplish our mission without them.
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The WOOF Program is a service dog training program and a reentry program. PSD provides the women with life coaching, pet industry skills, leadership and team building opportunities, and an educational program. PSD also helped create a dog trainer certificate awarded by the State of Florida for women who qualify.
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Patriot Service Dogs funds the program. The program is operated through an agreement with Florida Dept. of Corrections, but all supplies and management are provided by PSD.
Listen to WOOF Trainers in their own words:
Several WOOF Trainers were interviewed by WUFT for a story on the program. Hear what the program has meant to them.
“I made a lot of selfish decisions before I went to prison, the WOOF program taught me how to give back.”
— Cindy, Former inmate-trainer, current PSD Volunteer
