Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) trains incarcerated individuals to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and first responders, as well as explosive-detection canines for law enforcement. Puppies enter prison at the age of 8 weeks and live with their incarcerated puppy-raisers for approximately 24 months. As the puppies mature into well-loved, well-behaved dogs, their raisers learn what it means to contribute to society rather than take from it. PBB programs bring the love and healing of dogs to hundreds of individuals every year.
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Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) trains incarcerated individuals to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and first responders, as well as explosive-detection canines for law enforcement. Puppies enter prison at the age of 8 weeks and live with their incarcerated puppy-raisers for approximately 24 months.
Puppies Behind Bars is funded entirely by private contributions. We depend on the generosity of our donors to continue our work. We are a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, tax I.D. #13-3969389, and donations are tax-exempt to the extent allowed by law. If you have questions about our finances or about supporting our work, please call Eric Barsness, Director of Development, at 212.680.9562.
If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to Eric Barsness, Executive Vice President, at eric@puppiesbehindbars.com. Puppies Behind Bars is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, socio-economic background, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. We seek instructors to work in prison two days a week; take dogs home from prison the other three days.
Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who've Served Us was established by Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) in 2006 to provide service dogs to combat veterans returning home from Iraq (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF) who have suffered a physical injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Reviews (9)
David Wood
Aug 16, 2021
John Zgaljic
Jul 17, 2021
M. Dl Mustang
Nov 04, 2019
I know first hand how amazing these dogs are and what they do for veterans with PTSD and anxiety disorders being I am a Corrections Officer and have seen this program first hand all you have to do is think about the amazing things these dogs can do to save are veterans lives I've seen first hand the extensive training that they receive dont look at the inmate side of it if that bothers you just think about the amount of lives it saves saved
Lynn Lippincott
Mar 08, 2018
Johnny Powell
Oct 24, 2017
Linda W.
Jun 07, 2017
Can't say enough good things about this wonderful organization. My partner and I have volunteered for 2 years as puppy socializers. After attending 3 puppy graduation ceremonies where veterans receive their puppy, we decided to sponsor a puppy that will one day work as a service dog. As PBB volunteers we get to enjoy socializing these special dogs and it encourages us to be a small part of ultimately supporting the inmate puppy raisers and military veterans-- win-win-win.
Gianine B.
May 11, 2017
This organization was wonderful to my husband and gifted him with a beautiful service dog. In the 4 years since, he has come a long way in his healing process. Everyone on staff have been nothing but wonderful to our family always making sure things are running smooth even after 4 years. We have recommended their organization several times.
Zachary Thomas
Feb 27, 2017
Donna Andreacchi
Jan 26, 2017
I am currently sponsoring my second dog through PBB. My experience with the organization has been stellar in every respect! Without exception, this program is a win-win for all involved! Therefore, it is disheartening to read reviews to the contrary. However, it pays to keep in mind that the hundreds who have benefitted so much from the program are less likely to post reviews than a few naysayers. Before signing on as a sponsor I did extensive research. PBB has been awarded Charity Navigator's highest rating. I can not recommend this program and staff highly enough!
