Five dogs training to become service animals have successfully completed the second stage of their training at Boonville Correctional Center, assisted by inmate dog handlers. This program supports Retrieving Freedom, Inc., a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans with disabilities, children with autism, and families of fallen service members.
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As noted by the Missouri Department of Corrections, these dogs initially spend one year in foster homes, referred to as stage one, before arriving at Boonville. At the correctional center, they undergo obedience training and socialization in a structured environment, marking their progress into stage two.
After passing a retrieving test, these dogs will advance to the final stage of training, which focuses on preparing them for their specific roles with future handlers. Since partnering with Retrieving Freedom, Inc. in 2024, the inmate handlers at Boonville have contributed to the training of 17 dogs intended to support Missourians with disabilities.