06/18/2026
https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32639
Illinois Department of Corrections Launches Service Dog Training Program at Shawnee Correctional Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2026
CONTACT:
Naomi Puzzello, [email protected]
16 IDOC trainers will provide daily care, socialization, and foundational training to Labrador Retriever puppies over 25 weeks
(Shawnee, IL) – Today, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and Illinois Correctional Industries (ICI) announced a new service dog training program at Shawnee Correctional Center (Shawnee CC) in partnership with SIT Service Dogs (SIT). Launched this week, the new program will provide Launched this week, the new program will provide individuals in custody with the opportunity to help raise and train puppies that will eventually become service dogs for individuals with disabilities and others in need of specialized assistance nationwide.
The first program cohort includes 16 IDOC trainers and 9 Labrador Retriever puppies. Program participants were selected through a competitive application, interview, and evaluation process that prioritizes individuals serving extended sentences who demonstrate strong suitability for the program, responsibility, and commitment and can meet the demands of caring for and training a future service dog. Trainers in the program will work closely with SIT staff and volunteers to assist with socialization, obedience training, and daily care of service dog candidates. Through this experience, IDOC trainers will develop valuable skills in communication, responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving, while completing a U.S. Department of Labor animal trainer apprenticeship and contributing to a mission that positively impacts the lives of others.
“Launching this program at Shawnee Correctional Center is an investment in growth, responsibility, and community,” said Brandon Anthony, Warden, Shawnee Correctional Center. “We are grateful for our partnership with SIT Service Dogs and proud of the staff whose dedication made this opportunity possible. By giving participants the responsibility of caring for and training these dogs, we are fostering patience, discipline, and a sense of purpose that strengthens our entire facility while contributing to a program that will ultimately improve lives across the country.”
Over the course of the 25-week program, program participants will provide daily care, socialization, and foundational training under the direction of SIT staff. Each IDOC trainer will be assigned a specific dog while also participating in collaborative training exercises, workshops, and group learning activities designed to promote consistency, teamwork, and accountability. Upon graduating from the SIT program at Shawnee CC, the dogs will return to SIT for an additional year of advanced public access and client-specific task training. By the time they are matched with a service dog partner, each dog will have completed more than 2,000 hours of comprehensive training.
“Illinois Correctional Industries is proud to support partnerships that create opportunities for rehabilitation, workforce development, and community service. Through this collaboration with SIT Service Dogs, ICI continues its commitment to preparing individuals in custody for future success while making a lasting difference in the lives of others,” said Gregory Runyan, Assistant CEO, Illinois Correctional Industries.
The launch of this program was made possible through the efforts of Warden Brandon Anthony, Assistant Warden of Programs Lu Walker, and Correctional Vocational Instructor Zachary Oglesby, who dedicated significant time and energy to developing the partnership and coordinating the steps necessary to bring this opportunity to Shawnee Correctional Center. The new program is designed to create positive outcomes for everyone involved. By investing in individuals who will continue to be part of the facility’s community, the program supports long‑term prosocial development and contributes to the overall strength and well‑being of the Shawnee Correctional Center community, including staff. While the dogs gain the foundation necessary for future service work, program participants have the opportunity to develop patience, responsibility, communication skills, teamwork, and a renewed sense of purpose through meaningful work.
About Illinois Correctional Industries (ICI)
ICI is a division of IDOC’s Programs Unit that offers industrial workforce development, training, and workforce experience to individuals in custody through a variety of production, service, and instructional programs operating 75 programs at 16 IDOC facilities across the state. ICI participants earn nationally recognized certifications and complete U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeships through their participation in the programs. ICI offers 54 different DOL apprenticeships, an American Board of Optometry certification, an American Welding Society certification, and forklift certification. ICI programming allows individuals in custody to learn valuable skills and experience while earning day-for-day Earned Program Sentence Credit (EPSC). Currently, there are 536 individuals enrolled in active apprenticeships and 117 completions to date in 2026.
About SIT Service Dogs
SIT Service Dogs, is a Southern Illinois-based organization that has spent more than 17 years training and placing service dogs with individuals with disabilities. Using evidence-based, positive reinforcement training methods, the organization prepares dogs for public access and disability-related tasks that increase independence, safety, and quality of life for their future handlers. SIT Service Dog has placed more than 300 service dogs in 42 states.
