North Carolina participates in a “New Leash on Life” program, teaching inmates to train dogs. The program has been a success; working with dogs inspires compassion, patience, and teaches a possible future career. The Correctional institution also offers a vet tech program.

The dogs come from shelters, and during the past ten years, thousands of dogs have gone through the eight week program, learning basic behavior and socialization. 92 percent of dogs that has gone through the training are adopted.

Professional dog trainers volunteer, teaching the inmates, and sponsors pay for food and medical treatments.