IDAPI

The Idaho Prison Initiative (IDAPI) program is a community partnership of the Idaho Humane Society and Idaho Department of Correction.

We are excited to announce the rebranding of our IDAPI program, now with a refreshed focus! While we continue to help dogs in need, the program is now centered on providing TLC through prison-based foster care. These animals receive essential nurturing and socialization before finding their forever homes, creating a positive impact for both the dogs and the individuals who care for them. These cases primarily involve post-orthopedic surgery care, allergy treatments, nurturing puppies too young for adoption, and much more.

During the COVID-related shutdowns, when prison visits were not possible, we developed an internal dog behavior program at the Idaho Humane Society. With this new program and foster opportunity, we are excited to reignite our partnerships and continue making a meaningful difference for pets in need!

We are currently partnered with South Idaho Correctional Institution (SICI) and have had dogs in their facilities since July, 2024.

History of Original IDAPI (2004-2020)

The IDAPI program placed shelter dogs in cell blocks of Idaho correctional facilities for two-month periods, during which inmates cared for them and trained them using positive reinforcement techniques.

With dedicated time and attention from the inmates, some of our most difficult-to-place shelter dogs—generally young, especially exuberant dogs—became well-socialized, trained family pets. By having about 30 dogs enrolled in the IDAPI program and living in one of three correctional facilities at any given time, the program created more room in our shelter for other dogs. Launched in 2004, the IDAPI program was one of the key reasons for our high adoption rate for dogs.

The IDAPI experience taught inmates responsibility, patience, tolerance, persistence, and empathy. It showed them how it felt to give back to the community, promoted cooperation with other inmates, and increased morale. Participants were carefully screened by the Idaho Department of Correction for acceptance into the program, and IDAPI cell blocks were known for being the best-behaved in the Idaho corrections system.

When COVID initially surfaced, the prison shuttered visitors, and two years passed without the program. During this time, we focused on building a robust dog behavior department within our nonprofit. Our behavior and dog training staff began working with the dogs inside the shelter prior to adoption, albeit not on the same level as the IDAPI program. We also recommended post-adoption training to strengthen bonding and build long-term support for adopters.

Our progress during those two years ultimately led to the difficult decision to shutter this version of the IDAPI program permanently.