Regulatory reintegration into society and the resocialization of released prisoners have long been an important problem in society. With recidivism rates in the United States reaching 69% it is quite clear that released prisoners have difficulty readjusting and returning to a normative 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 inmates returning to prison within a year of release, the prison system is not providing inmates with the rehabilitation and therapy needed to function once they return to society. In the past, many studies have shown that prisoners who attend vocational and therapeutic programs are more successful in reintegrating into daily life once released. Furthermore, numerous studies have been conducted that have demonstrated the healing and therapeutic abilities of animals when used in programs with deviant, diseased, or mentally ill individuals (Deaton, 2006) (Dell, 2011) (Field, 1951). So it would 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 several currently in use in prisons across the United States. States (Furst, 2006). The proposed study would be exploratory in nature and seeks to answer the following question; Are inmates who complete animal therapy programs while incarcerated more successful in normative reintegration into society upon release? Researcher proposes that inmates who complete the "animal th... middle of paper" test ... kids who experience homelessness 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 for reintegration into society. Many parolees have difficulty controlling their anger, relating to people, adapting to new situations, and maintaining friendships and family relationships. Animal programs teach inmates social and emotional skills that can help ease a parolee's transition into society after release. According to a study of an animal therapy program at a women's penitentiary in Virginia, inmates who have completed the program have had a 0% recidivism rate and a 100% employment rate over the past three years, a far cry from statistics of prisoners who did not participate in similar programs (Deaton, 2005).