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FETCH a Cure's Pixie's Pen Pals

Dog rescue in Richmond, VA

Through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Corrections, inmates at Virginia correctional centers - Buckingham Correctional Center, Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, and Lunenberg Correctional Center – train and socialize rescue dogs with the guidance and instruction from two professional dog trainers. The Pen Pals program not only lowers the rate of euthanasia in Virginia’s city dog shelters, but also provides life skills to inmates. Our rescue dogs chosen for the program come from Richmond Animal Care and Control, Richmond Animal Leage, and the Southside SCPA. On average, 50-60 dogs are rescued and placed into loving homes every year through Pen Pals!

The Pen Pals program promotes inmate rehabilitation while increasing positive communication and interaction between correctional center staff and the rest of the inmate population. Inmate handlers learn viable job skills and some have gone on to become professional dog trainers following their release. By working cooperatively to help the animals, the inmates learn responsibility, patience, and emotional confidence among many other character building qualities that improve and enhance external relationships. These skills and attributes are acquired while training a dog that may not have had a chance for a happy life. Every time a dog leaves the program to go its new home, the inmate handler feels a sense of accomplishment and pride that they have given back to their community in a positive manner, leaving a smile on both ends of the leash!

Contact Emily Clanton
Address
5711 Staples Mill Rd.
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23228
Address Map

Meet their adoptable pets

5711 Staples Mill Rd.

Suite 101

Richmond, VA 23228

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Adoptable pets at FETCH a Cure's Pixie's Pen Pals

This rescue doesn’t have any adoptable pets right now – check out adoptable pets nearby or start a custom pet search below.

We'll also keep you updated on Daphne's adoption status with email updates.
Adopted
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Daphne

Boxer

Female, Young
Richmond, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Indie's adoption status with email updates.
Adopted
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Indie

Hound (Unknown Type)/Whippet

Female, Young
Richmond, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Dino's adoption status with email updates.
Adopted
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Dino

Shepherd (Unknown Type)

Male, Young
Richmond, VA

Rescue FAQs

FETCH a Cure's Pen Pals operates in correctional centers in Central Virginia and has it's central office in Richmond, Virginia. We mostly adopt out to families Virginia, DC, and Maryland, but will consider out-of-state adoptions on a case by case basis.

Additional adoption info

We require an application to be filled out, which can be found at fetchacure.org/pen-pals/adoption-process/

Pixie's Pen Pals requires reference checks, which may include your landlord and current veterinarian, and a home visit to ensure your new canine companion is going to a safe and healthy home.

Unless otherwise noted, Pen Pals adoption fees are $275 for dogs 5 years and younger, and $175 for dogs 6 years and older.

Pets at shelters & rescues near FETCH a Cure's Pixie's Pen Pals

Beacon of Hope Dog Rescue, Inc.

11613 Bundle Road,
Chesterfield, VA 23838

Willow Run Sanctuary

Chesterfield, VA 23832

We'll also keep you updated on PR 57 Smores's adoption status with email updates.
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PR 57 Smores

Pit Bull Terrier

Male, Puppy
Glen Allen, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Wizard's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Wizard

Wizard

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Fredericksburg, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Elf's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Elf

Elf

Domestic Mediumhair

Male, 3 mos
Fork Union, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Blossom's adoption status with email updates.
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Blossom

Mixed Breed (Small)

Female, 3 yrs 8 mos
Fredericksburg, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Sabrina's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Sabrina

Sabrina

Mixed Breed (Small)

Female, 3 yrs
Fredericksburg, VA
We'll also keep you updated on Joyous's adoption status with email updates.
Photo of Joyous

Joyous

Domestic Shorthair

Female, Young
Petersburg, NC

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