The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) frequently receives animals who require extra care before they're ready to become wonderful new family members. Whether it's a litter of very young kittens or a shy dog requiring extra socialization, the ARL is able to accommodate many of these animals in its PAWS program, combined efforts with the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women (ICIW).

The PAWS program (Pets and Women Succeeding), uses positive reinforcement training methods to teach dogs behaviors that will make them more easily adopted. Inmates attend an eight-week course where they learn dog-training basics, including teaching cues like sit, stay and drop, as well as good manners essentials such as housetraining and crate training using modern dog-friendly methods.

The ARL is also working with the Rockwell City Correctional Institute to set up a special program called WHINNY, where inmates will be trained to provide temporary care and rehabilitation for horses seized from abuse and neglect environments.

While working with homeless pets to make them more adoptable, inmates involved are learning skills necessary for their own success as well. Both the PAWS and WHINNY programs teach responsibility, patience, leadership, teamwork, self-control and self-esteem. The training gained through these programs helps prepare the inmates for future employment opportunities and allows them to contribute positively to the community.