The Brevard County Sheriff's Office announces that 12 Paws & Stripes® dogs will be ready for adoption at the end of August.

In 2006, the Sheriff’s Office implemented the Paws & Stripes® Program that matches rescue dogs with specially trained inmates. Using inmates to give obedience training to dogs makes them more adoptable and reduces the number of dogs being euthanized. Since its inception, over 230 dogs have successfully completed the program and have been adopted by citizens in our community.

The program has a positive impact on the inmates as well. While the dogs receive their training, they have a profound impact on the inmates by creating a calming effect and strengthening their work ethic. In many cases, inmates have said their time working in the program was life-changing and gave them purpose during a tough time. Upon completion, inmates are recognized pet care technicians by the International Boarding and Pet Services Association. The dogs are tested for Canine Good Citizenship before their adoption into permanent homes.

The program is operated thanks to the Paws & Stripes® Guild and generous donations from the community. To learn more about Paws & Stripes and its current canine recruits, visit BrevardSheriff.com/jail_paws_stripes.php