A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance


Program Guidelines
Please review the program guidelines in their entirety prior to submitting an application for participation in the HOPE program.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch by phone at 717-379-2511 or send an email by CLICKING HERE.

Application Process

  • Application:  Applications can be submitted by email or regular mail.  When completing the application, please include an in depth description, including current photos, of the dog you would like to submit for the program.  Please be as honest as possible about any and all behavioral and emotional issues so that we can make the most appropriate match between the dog and an inmate.  Please include the dog's name, age, size, weight, breed, etc.  The three sizes of available crates are 36" L X 23" W X 26" H, 42" L x 26" W x 28" H and 48" L X 30" W X 36" H.  Depending on height and weight, larger dogs are considered as long as they can comfortably fit in one of those crate sizes.

  • Evaluation:  Each dog being submitted for the HOPE Dogs Program must be evaluated by our trainer.  Once you have submitted an Application for Participation, you will be contacted by the HOPE Program to schedule an evaluation session.  This session is mandatory.   

  • Availability:  Please make every effort possible to submit only dogs who have no applications pending.  If a dog is lucky enough to be adopted prior to the start of the session, please let us know as soon as possible so that the space may be given to another dog.

Once A Dog Has Been Accepted into the HOPE Program...

  • Documentation:  The following paperwork must be provided for each dog entering the HOPE program:  two (2) copies of vaccine records, two (2) copies of the Medical Release Form and proof of license. 

  • Medications:  The following medications must be provided to the HOPE Program:  two (3) doses of flea/tick preventative and two (3) doses of heartworm preventative.

  • Food:  Each dog accepted into the program will be fed Proplan Chicken and Rice Formula.  Please begin transitioning the dog to the new food prior to the start date to avoid stomach upset and digestive problems once inside the prison.  If a dog has specific allergies or dietary needs, please let us know so that we can make the appropriate accommodations.

  • Grooming:  Please be sure to have the dog groomed and nails clipped prior to entering the program.

During the Current Session...

  • Professional Training:  All of the dogs accepted into the HOPE Dogs Program will be under the supervision of a professional trainer.  The trainer will give the inmate handlers an in depth training course and monitor the progress of the dogs during each session.  Inmate handlers will meet weekly with the trainer to work on basic obedience skills and also specific behavioral issues for each dog.

  • Weekly Updates: Weekly updates will be posted on the HOPE Program website. Please feel free to use any or all of the updates at your convenience. All participating rescues are asked to place a reciprocal link to the HOPE Program website on their own site. Artwork and assistance will be provided if necessary.  More detailed progress reports are available upon request.

  • Publicity: The HOPE Dogs will be showcased  through adoption events at Borders Books & Music, press releases, television and radio news coverage, our dedicated website, reciprocal links from participating rescue/shelter websites and through media releases from the SCI Camp Hill.  We will make every effort to have as much publicity of this program as possible.  Dogs are also allowed to leave the prison periodically to receive additional training and participate in Meet & Greets and promotional events.

  • Adoptions:  All applications received through the rescue or through the HOPE Program should be initially screened by the sponsoring rescue. All home visits for any HOPE Program participant must include a representative from the rescue and a representative from the HOPE Program.  We prefer adoptions to be within two hours from the Carlisle area to accommodate additional visits from the trainer when necessary. All adoptions of HOPE dogs must be approved by both the rescue and the HOPE Program.

  • Veterinary Care:  Rescues will be alerted immediately regarding any emergency or non-emergency medical care. Specific procedures are detailed on the Emergency Medical Form. Rescues will take responsibility for all veterinary costs pertaining to the dog. Requests for special assistance may be made to the CPAA Emergency Medical Fund.

  • Training Tools:  The HOPE Program will provide collars, leashes, treats, treat bags, toys and any other tools required for the successful training of the dogs at no cost to the rescue/shelter.

  • Other Materials:  The HOPE Program will also provide for each dog a crate, bedding, toys and any other items that may become necessary to make their living quarters feel like home.  We are always more than happy to accept donations of toys, bones, treats, etc.  Please CLICK HERE to email us if you would like to make a contribution.

  • Contact Information:  Concerns and questions regarding the HOPE Program should be directed to Kelly McGinley at 717-379-2511 or by emailing.

Fees and Other Requirements...

  • Fees:  The fee for adopting a HOPE Dog is $225.  Of that fee, $200 will go directly to the participating rescue and $25 will go directly to support future sessions of the HOPE Program.  This fee will remain the same for all participating rescues. 
  • Eligibility:  This program is open to all CPAA member rescues and shelters and there is no fee for participation.  All dogs being considered for participation must meet the following criteria:
    • Displays no aggression toward humans or other dogs
    • Is comfortable being crated
    • Is spayed/neutered
    • Is in good health with no condition requiring regular medication
    • Is up to date on all vaccines
    • Is in need of basic obedience training, behavioral assistance or individual attention, with regard to training

 
**PLEASE NOTE** Should an incident occur that involves a bite or attack of any nature, the dog will be removed from SCI Camp Hill immediately and returned to the sponsoring rescue.

 

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Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance