New Leash on Life Program
We’re excited to announce that the New Leash on Life program has returned to the Catawba County Correctional Center in Newton, NC! This renewed effort is made possible through a partnership with Catawba Animal Services and Living Hope Canine Rescue.
Through this heartwarming program, dogs from Catawba County Animal Services are paired with incarcerated individuals who spend six weeks caring for and training them. Participants learn to teach basic obedience, build socialization skills, and in some cases work on specialized tasks—all to help prepare the dogs for loving forever homes.
This program is truly transformative for everyone involved. For the dogs, it means structured training, confidence building, and a greatly improved chance of being adopted.
For the participants, it offers meaningful responsibility, hands-on skill development, and the opportunity to grow in patience, empathy, and teamwork.
New Leash on Life has been widely praised for its positive impact, creating a powerful model of restorative justice that benefits individuals, animals, and the community as a whole.
At the end of each session, the fully trained dogs become available for adoption.
Interested in adopting a New Leash on Life graduate?
We’d love to connect you with your future companion! Please fill out our adoption interest form.