The Doghouse is a unique partnership between LAPS and the Correctional Services of Canada (CSC). The program takes place in Abbotsford at the Fraser Valley Institution, a federal prison for women.  Inmate participants take place in an employment training program where they learn industry skill such as how to handle, train and groom dogs. Through this they acquire both industry-specific and general employment skills along with certificates in Canine Fist-Aid, Groomer’s Aid, Professional Dog Training and Kennel Attendant Levels 1 & 2. The program provides a therapeutic opportunity for the participants to develop skill and friendships in a healthy and respectful environment. This smart enterprise not only earns enough revenue to fund itself, it also generates extra that is used to directly support the in house adoption program at LAPS.

More than 150 female inmates have worked in the Doghouse program since the project’s inception in 2006. Women who are eligible can volunteer or do work experience placements at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter. Many of the women who’ve gone through the program continue to work with dogs after completing their time at the institution. We believe this program can be a catalyst for change in the people who participate. It can give participants the skills, confidence and knowledge to pursue a career that they love.

In addition to taking on dogs from the Patti Dale Animal Shelter, the Doghouse also serves as a boarding and training facility for the public as well. As a small kennel, the Doghouse program participants are able to provide more exercise time and more one-on-one interaction with the animals. Dogs are free to romp and play in fenced areas, hang out with staff, play ball or explore the country smells. This program also provides an option for dogs to go home with one of the women participating in the kennel program. This allows the dogs to stay in a low stress, home-like environment during their stay.

Criteria for Using the Doghouse Program

In order for dogs to participate in the program at the Fraser Valley Institution they must be:

  • Great meeting strangers (off property, think uniformed officers)
  • Tolerant around dogs, no history of aggression. While they do not need to go out with other dogs they cannot pose a danger through the fence or walking past other dogs
  • Current on all vaccinations; DA2PPV, Bordetella and Rabies. I also recommend regular deworming and flea prevention
  • Spayed or neutered by 12 months of age (and not in season)
  • Medically and behaviourally healthy.
  • Comfortable in a kennel setting. Severe anxieties will need behaviour assessment, Veterinary intervention and a gradual entry process.
  • If a clients’ dog meets these criteria then the next step is to book a tour of the facility with the Instructor. This provides the client an opportunity to see where their dogs will stay. The Instructor will then see how the dog copes coming though the Institution and being around the kennel environment with the owner present.
  • Tours are offered 3 days a week Wednesday to Friday at 10, 11, 1:30, 2:30 or 3:30 depending on scheduling.
  • Paperwork is completed at the time of the tour. All the rules of using the program are addressed at that time.
  • Payments are made in advance of use of service by:
  • Etransfer: etransfer@lapsbc.ca
  • Call LAPS with a credit card number

 

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If you are interested in any of our  Doghouse programs,  give us a call and set up a tour today. Call 604-851-6076 or email thedoghouse@lapsbc.ca to book an appointment.

Address:

33344 King Road,
Abbotsford, BC

Directions from HWY 1:

  1. Take exit 90 for McCallum Rd towards City Centre.
  2. Turn right at King Rd.
  3. Turn left onto access road to Matsqui Complex.
  4. Travel past the three-way stop & turn right into parking lot.
  5.  Arrive at our centre.

First West Foundation

We would like to thank the First West Foundation for their incredible generosity in providing LAPS with a $20,000 grant in support of the Doghouse training & boarding program! Because of First West Foundation’s support we are able to provide more opportunities to participants who take part in this exceptional program.