Empowering Lives and Transforming Futures through

The DogHouse Program

A unique partnership between LAPS and CSC, operates within the federal women’s prison, Fraser Valley Institution in Abbotsford. Inmates engage in an employment training program, acquiring skills in handling, training, and grooming dogs, earning industry-specific certifications. This initiative fosters therapeutic opportunities, promoting skill development and friendships in a healthy environment. The enterprise sustains itself financially and contributes extra funds to support LAPS’ in-house adoption program.


Since 2006, over 150 female inmates have participated, with eligible women volunteering at the Patti Dale Animal Shelter. Many continue working with dogs post-release, as the program serves as a catalyst for change, providing skills and confidence. The Doghouse not only takes in dogs from the shelter but also serves as a public boarding and training facility. Participants offer more one-on-one interaction and exercise for dogs, providing a low-stress, home-like environment.

Guidelines for Participation in The Doghouse Program

To join the program at Fraser Valley Institution, dogs must:
  • 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
  • Medically and behaviourally healthy.
  • Comfortable in a kennel setting. Severe anxieties will need behaviour assessment, Veterinary intervention and a gradual entry process.
  • Spayed or neutered by 12 months of age (and not in season)
  • If a client's dog meets the criteria, the next step is to schedule a facility tour with the Instructor. This allows clients to see where their dogs will stay, and the Instructor assesses how the dog reacts to the Institution and 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

Gratitud To Our Sponsors

A heartfelt thank you to the First West Foundation for their remarkable generosity, granting LAPS $20,000 in support of the Doghouse training & boarding program! This generous contribution enables us to create more opportunities for participants, enhancing the impact of this exceptional program