Banner collage of shelter animals. A tabby cat mid-sneeze, a happy white dog wearing a tie during a walk, a black-and-white cat resting on a volunteer’s shoulder, a small white puppy being held, and a small black puppy receiving veterinary treatment.

Special Programs

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Training program that helps shelter dogs become more adoptable through work with incarcerated veterans

Enduring Service Program

Austin Animal Services partners with the Travis State Jail and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to give shelter dogs a real path to adoption while supporting incarcerated veterans working toward a fresh start through the TDCJ Veteran Services Programmatic Re-Entry program.

Enduring Service is a 12-week foster and training program that helps shelter dogs become more adoptable while incarcerated veterans build practical skills, structure, and confidence for life after release.

How it Works

Dogs leave the shelter and stay at the Travis State Jail with assigned inmates, where they receive daily care, consistency, and training.

Veteran participants work hands-on with the dogs every day using positive reinforcement, building trust while teaching skills like sitting, leash walking, and staying calm around people.

Safe, Daily Care for Dogs

The safety and wellbeing of the dogs is always the top priority.

Dogs are housed in clean, secure spaces
They receive frequent daily interaction
They follow consistent routines for care and training
Veterinary and behavioral support by Animal Services is always available
This steady environment helps dogs feel secure, reduce stress, and make faster progress.

Second Chance for Dogs and Incarcerated Veterans

The primary goal of Enduring Service is to help dogs find homes, but the impact goes further.

Veterans in the TDCJ Veteran Services Programmatic Re-Entry program gain meaningful, hands-on experience in animal care and training, helping them build job-ready skills and a sense of purpose. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn a dog grooming certification at the jail through Austin Community College creating a clear pathway to employment after release.

What Happens Next

At the end of the 12 week training sessions and practice with their handlers, dogs graduate from the program.

The goal is for each dog to move quickly into adoption or foster care, continuing their progress and transitioning successfully into a home.

Why it Matters

With time, training, and daily human connection, these dogs build trust and confidence.

At the same time, veterans strengthen skills, responsibility, and stability that support long-term reentry success.

Both leave the program better prepared for what comes next - a real opportunity for a new beginning.

How to Support: Community support helps keep this program going. You can donate through the Enduring Service Amazon wish list or on the Animal Services Donation page.

Meet the Enduring Service April 2026 Graduates

Interested in adopting a trained lifelong companion with an interesting story? Our first graduating class will be available for adoption or foster on April 28th!