Transforming Lives: How a Prison Pet Program in Gig Harbor is Providing Inmates with Valuable Skills and Opportunities

Innovative Program at Washington Corrections Center for Women Offers Inmates a Path to Employment Through Pet Care Training

GIG HARBOR — In a groundbreaking initiative at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, incarcerated women are gaining valuable skills in pet care and grooming through a unique program that not only benefits them but also prepares them for in-demand jobs upon their release.

The program, operated by the nonprofit Prison Pet Partnership, allows women to train service dogs, earn industry certifications, and learn essential skills such as pet CPR, nutrition, and grooming techniques. Participants also receive workshops on business plans, mock interviews, and resume writing to help them transition back into the workforce.

Founded in 1981, the program has become a model for similar initiatives across the country, with at least 290 programs now operating in prisons nationwide. The success of the program lies in its ability to provide tangible skills that align with the booming pet economy, offering participants a direct pathway to employment.

One of the program’s success stories is Amalia Castillo, who is currently training a Labrador retriever named Patrick. Castillo, a mother of seven, found solace and purpose in the program, describing the dogs as “like our babies” and tapping into her maternal instincts to care for them.

The positive impact of the program extends beyond job training, as it also serves as an emotional outlet for participants in the often hostile prison environment. The presence of animals has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and encourage physical activity, providing a sense of companionship and affection that is often lacking in prison life.

Employers have also recognized the value of program graduates like Melissa McKee, who earned multiple certifications in pet care and grooming during her time at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. McKee’s success story highlights the transformative power of the program, as she went on to secure a job at a grooming shop and pursue higher education while working.

Overall, the program at the Washington Corrections Center for Women is not just about training in pet care—it’s about providing women with the tools and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Through the bond between humans and animals, these women are finding a path to redemption and a brighter future beyond prison walls.