8 week training course for both the dog and the new owner (Strongly Recommended)
The training course, normally $150, continues the dog's training and teaches the owner what the dog already knows. The total adoption package is valued at $500 for veterinary, training, and other services.
What’s the next step?
We have developed two requirements for adopting a Cell Dog:
1) You must submit an application At Lee County Domestic Animal Services or The Gulf Coast Humane Society.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services: 5600 Banner Drive Ft. Myers Fl. 33912 (239)533-7387
Gulf Coast Humane Society: 2010 Arcadia St. Ft. Myers Fl. 33916 (239)332-0364
2) After you take your Cell Dog home, we strongly recommend Beginner Obedience classes with your new Cell Dog. There is no additional fee for this class—it is included in the adoption fee. These classes are at K-9’s Come 1st facility off Evens Ave. (not at the Correctional facility!).
What’s so special about these dogs?
Not a thing. They are all unwanted rescues from Lee County Domestic Animal Services and The Gulf Coast Humane Society. But we select these dogs, sometimes nurse them back to health, and build their trust and confidence while we train them. We become quite attached to these dogs in the months we work with them, and so do the inmate handlers. We want the best-matched home for these animals for the rest of their lives.
I live outside Lee County…Can I adopt a Cell Dog?
Maybe…This would be left up to Lee County Domestic Animal Services or The Gulf Coast Humane Society and there requirements for adoption.
I already know which dog I want from his picture on the internet. Do I have to come to the Correctional facility to meet it?
No, you would need to go to Lee County Domestic Animal Services or The Gulf Coast Humane Society.
The Cell Dogs enjoy a certain amount of celebrity. Their pictures appear on TV, the internet, and in newspapers. People feel like they know the dog from seeing his pictures and story in the media, but the photos might not depict the dog’s personality accurately.
Why do I have to take the dog to K-9’s Come 1st Training afterward?
K-9’s Come 1st Training: 1828 Evens Ave #C Ft. Myers FL. 33901 (239)337-3647
These dogs have had 12 weeks of beginner obedience training, which does NOT make them Lassie or Rin Tin Tin. Some people have unrealistic expectations, and participating in the training process shows the new owner what to expect from the dog. Dog Training is more about teaching you to think like a dog than trying to teach a dog to think like a human.....they can't!
K-9’s Come 1st Training provides training for the Cell Dog’s new owner at no cost. This is your chance to learn what the dog already knows. When the free training is over, you can take the dog anywhere you’d like for more advanced training. But we definitely want to show the new owners what we’ve shown the dog.
As trainers, we have seen the dog-human relationship improve with training. As rescuers, many dogs have been abandoned due to lack of training that could have easily been prevented. We firmly believe in the value of training as a means to improve the quality of life of both the pet and the owner. Your pet will definitely enjoy it.
