Stink Bug FAQs

Dogs adopted from the Colorado Correctional Industries’ Prison Trained K9 Companion Program receive full veterinary care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. Trainers document their behavior throughout the program, though some dogs may have limited history. Dogs are only placed with families after completing training. The K-9 program cannot guarantee that a dog you find online will be available for adoption. Puppies under 6 months are not available for Stink Bug adoptions.

Families with children between the ages of 5 to 18 (or 21 if living with parents) who have a diagnosed medical or behavioral condition—whether long-term or chronic—are eligible to apply. If you already have another dog, you are still eligible for a Stink Bug dog, and we will work with you to ensure compatibility before finalizing adoption. If you do not meet Stink Bug eligibility but are interested in adopting a well-trained dog, you can always explore options through Colorado Correctional Industries’ Prison Trained K9 Companion Program.

Yes, eligible families can apply to the Stink Bug Project to cover a 4-week boarding-in training for a dog they already own, helping to improve obedience and support for your child. Families must meet the eligibility requirements for the Stink Bug Project to utilize the boarding-in option. If you would like to go this route, please select that option on the Interest Survey.

No, Stink Bug dogs are not trained service animals and cannot provide medical alerts or specialized assistance for disabilities. They are well-trained companion pets but do not undergo public access training required for school or public settings. If you need a service dog for your child, we can refer you to appropriate programs. Any additional training for public access would need to be arranged and funded by the adoptive family.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide transportation for Stink Bug dogs. Families must travel to Denver, Sterling, or Cañon City, CO for the interview to ensure the best match. That is also where a dog undergoing boarding-in training would have to be dropped off and picked up. We understand this may be challenging, but this step is important for a successful Stink Bug Project outcome.

Both the K-9 Companion Prison Training Program and The Stink Bug Project strive to make security checks at all of the Colorado Correctional Facilities sites as seamless as possible. However, we understand that visiting a prison can be overwhelming, especially for children facing medical challenges. We can provide clear descriptions of what each site will be like and how the interviews will be conducted if you or your child has questions about the interviews or Go Home classes. We would be happy to speak directly with your child to answer their questions if that would help them prepare for the interview or Go Home class.

For a great example of what the room where an interview would take place, you can view the training videos for the Prison Trained K9 Companion Program.

After initial conversations with our program staff, families will meet potential dogs in person in Denver, Sterling, or Cañon City. Interviews typically take place at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility or the Cañon City facility. For families sending their dogs in for boarding-in training, they may also be dropped of and picked up at the Sterling Correctional Facility. During the visit, families usually meet one or more dogs that have been carefully selected to meet their needs, and additional interviews can be arranged if needed, according to the availability of adoptable dogs. Please note that a background check is required for entry into all Colorado Correctional Institute facilities.

We know some people love giving dogs as surprise gifts to children, but Stink Bug dogs are not intended to be surprises. Because of the nature of the program and the support these dogs provide, it is incredibly important that the children are involved in the adoption process.

The K-9 Companion Prison Training Program is a thriving, income-generating initiative within Colorado Correctional Industries, dedicated to training dogs and matching them with loving homes. While they do their best to accommodate preferences, they cannot guarantee specific breeds or traits—but every dog is given the best start for a happy future. When a particular dog’s profile has been posted to the training program’s website, they can be viewed by any member of the public, and many dogs accumulate a waiting list for interviews. Often, potential Stink Bug families are invited to meet prospective dogs prior to their posting on the CCI website.

It may take a few weeks for your dog to adjust and feel comfortable in your home, so establishing routines and consistency will help. If the dog develops bad habits or isn’t a good fit, the K-9 Companion Prison Training Program offers lifelong support. They can provide advice, recommend free weekly alumni classes, or even take the dog back for a refresher course (additional costs apply). If the dog doesn’t work out for your family, it must be returned to the program rather than relinquished to a pound or shelter.

For dogs trained in the Boarding-in program, please remember that your dog has spent four weeks under constant supervision, being diligently trained by their handlers. It is very important to adhere to the training standards you will learn at the Go Home class so your dog doesn’t slide back into old behaviors.

To help keep up with your dog’s trained behaviors, you and your family can watch the training videos for the Prison Trained K9 Companion Program.

Yes, as part of the adoption agreement, families are responsible for veterinary costs, even if the dog becomes ill or injured. Families are also responsible for other needed maintenance, such as grooming, licensure, or other services needed over their life.  However, the Stink Bug Project offers a Stink Bug Alumni Flex Fund to help member families with some of these expenses. If you need assistance finding low-cost care or discussing options, please reach out to us.

We love that you love it, too! There are a number of ways you can support the program. Here are a few:

1. Make a financial donation to support a family’s adoption. Give today!
2. Purchase Stink Bug biscuits at Cosmo’s Dog Bakery! Cosmo’s generously donates 50% of all proceeds for these biscuits to support the program.
3. Help spread the word about what we do.
4. Follow us on social media – Facebook or Instagram.

For more information on giving and volunteer opportunities, please contact giving@rmchildren.org.