Normative reintegration into society and resocialization of released prisoners has long been a major problem in society. In the United States, with recidivism rates exceeding 69%, it is clear that released prisoners have difficulty rehabilitating and returning to normal life in society (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2008). Prison aims to punish, incapacitate, deter, and rehabilitate offenders, but much of the research on recidivism rates criticizes the idea that “prison works” (Dhami, 2006). However, it appears that with so many prisoners returning to prison within a year of release, the prison system is not providing them with the rehabilitation and therapy needed to function once they return to society. In the past, numerous studies have shown that inmates who complete vocational and therapeutic programs are more successful in reintegrating into daily life after release. Additionally, numerous studies have shown the healing and therapeutic abilities of animals when used in programs with deviant, diseased, or mentally ill individuals (Deaton, 2006) (Dell, 2011) (Field, 1951). It would therefore seem that combining vocational programs with the use of animals would be the next logical step in prison programs. Although animal therapy programs are relatively new to the justice system, there are currently a number of them in prisons across the United States. States (Furst, 2006). The proposed study would be exploratory in nature and would seek to answer the following question: Are inmates who follow pet therapy programs while incarcerated more successful in normatively reintegrating into society once released? The researcher proposes that inmates who end their lives as animals...... middle of paper ...... the homeless are much more likely to return to prison than parolees who have a place to live (Visher, 2003). A parolee's emotional health, well-being, and social comfort are also very important to his or her reintegration into society. Many parolees have difficulty controlling their anger, interacting with others, adapting to new situations, and maintaining friendships and family relationships. Programs with animals teach inmates social and emotional skills that can ease a parolee's transition into society after release. According to a study of an animal therapy program at a Virginia women's correctional facility, over the past three years, inmates who completed the program had a 0% recidivism rate and a 100% employment rate. , which is a far cry from the statistics of inmates who have not participated in similar programs (Deaton, 2005).