Thank you for providing a home for the dogs being raised in Prison Programs. Here is some basic information on the Prison Puppy Program and the role you would play in training these amazing dogs. As important as it is for the inmates to train the puppies, it is also crucial that the puppies at a young age learn good house manners and get exposed to environments outside the prisons.
Host request emails are sent by a Can Do Canines staff member. When you receive the email, please respond with the dates you wish to host and when you can pick up and drop off. Pick-ups are on Fridays from either 7-10 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. and drop-offs are on Mondays from either 7-10 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.
Hosts are provided with food and basic information about the pup they are hosting. When you’re done hosting a dog, we ask that you submit the Volunteer Feedback Form, which can be found on the Puppy Program Portal. We kindly ask you to complete this each time you foster.
The prison staff will send out a bag with the dog you are hosting. The bag will include a basic care sheet, feeding information, dog food, and a head halter. For people taking the dog for 2-weeks as a Prison Break Raiser, a cape will also be included for outings. When returning the bag, do not send anything extra back to the prison, but please be sure all supplies received are returned so they have them available for the next host. Do not keep the cape at home as it belongs to the dog-in-training; they need it for daily use in their training. If you need a kennel when you host, let the prison know.
If you choose to volunteer as a Prison Break Raiser, please contact Can Do Canines Puppy Program staff at [email protected] to set up a time to do your Public Access Training (cape rights) before you can take a dog out in public. This will take about an hour, and we will meet at a store. You can still host a dog before doing the Public Access Training, but you will be limited to hanging out around the home.
Photos are never allowed on prison grounds. Leave your cell phone in your vehicle. Turn off your vehicle and lock it when on prison grounds.
Due to the operational needs of FMC Rochester, they only allow pick-ups and drop-offs on Fridays and Mondays between 7-10 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Pick up and drop off is handled on prison grounds, but there is no contact with inmates. Each prison determines which dog is assigned to go to a volunteer, as they use a rotation. Unfortunately, you cannot request a specific dog.
You may park in visitor parking at the far end of the lot (nearest the road you arrive on, furthest away from the building). Go inside to Master Control and tell them you are there to pick up a dog for Can Do Canines. A staff person will bring the dog to you.
Prison is a very controlled environment. If you must make changes to your established pick-up or drop-off time, or if you will be late, please call the prison’s main number at 507-281-0674 to let them know at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
Staff will be waiting for you at your designated time, and they must get back to their jobs as quickly as possible. The prison has count times each day. The count is critical for each prison as it checks offender status. Nothing else happens during the count. If you are asked to come earlier or later than your suggested time due to count or another reason, please understand. There is also the rare occasion that your meeting could be delayed due to an event at the prison, such as a conflict, count issue, lockdown, etc. If this happens, please be patient.
General Phone: 507-281-0674 Sarah Bergman: [email protected]
Stephanie Gronseth: [email protected] April Nease: [email protected]