Anne Tenna

Resident Animal Advocate

Animal-assisted therapy, whether formally administered via prison programs or informally through the adoption of feral cats, can have a transformative effect on inmates.  

At many prisons, inmates have experienced a metamorphosis as a result of their interactions with cats.

The following are some particularly noteworthy examples of the benefits of pet therapy at correctional institutions.

Saxierriet penitentiary in Switzerland has implemented an innovative pet therapy program called the Cat Program through which inmate volunteers are provided with pet cats. Strict regulations are enforced to ensure the welfare of these therapy animals, and inmates may take their pets with them when they are released.

Having trustworthy, nonjudgmental companions has reduced the loneliness of participating inmates.

Taking care of an animal is the only socially acceptable way of showing affection in prison, and the opportunity to do so has made the prisoners more receptive to psychological treatment.

A study of participants found that they had higher self-esteem and self-confidence as a result of the program, critical elements for resocialization after release (Nef, 2004, “The Cat Programme, An Animal-Assisted Therapy at Saxierriet Prison for Men: Its Effects and Results in a Correctional Establishment”).

There’s something to be said for the companionship of a pet. Let’s say you’re having a particularly stressful day.

You come home, they greet you lovingly, they don’t condescend, and they don’t expect anything more from you than you can give.

Almost instantly, that stress is lifted and you start to feel much better about the day, regardless of the situation.

I have always been an advocate of pet ownership, especially after I read about how their calming effects can add years to your life.

According to studies conducted all over the world, it is in fact true that pet owners tend to live longer. 

This is so widely accepted in many parts of the medical community that doctors sometimes recommend pets to their patients, and pet therapy is a growing “prescription” or weekly scheduled therapy at retirement homes and shelters for abused children… and now prisons.When my children were little, I wanted them to grow up with pets, not only because of the therapy involved, but to also teach them the responsibility of caring for something else.

Pets helped them to understand and commit to the necessary chores: feeding, cleaning up after, and training. I would like to believe that it has made them better parents.

Prisoners, who may often get into a cycle of bad behavior, could benefit by having a pet while serving their time.

For instance, in people who are depressed, pets can provide a reason to get up in the morning. Many pet owners feel a sense of responsibility for the animals under their care, and this responsibility can be a driving force for someone struggling with depression and loneliness.

Therapists who offer animal or pet therapy have noted that their patients often seem happier with animals around, and that animals can serve as a catalyst for therapeutic breakthroughs.

Finally, pets don’t judge or criticize. You can talk to them, tell them secrets, and know they will keep them.

They understand your moods and always seem to know just when to give you their affection.

Many people find that sharing their lives with animals can be quite rewarding, as any pet owner can tell you.   

Evidence also suggests that in addition to just being pleasurable, pet ownership may have many tangible health benefits and may even help keep ex-cons out of trouble.