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Thank you for your interest in learning more about the Bridging Futures Program!
Bridging Futures is a collaborative program between the University of Arizona and Federal Correctional Complexes (FCC Tucson and FCC Phoenix) where U of A students and FCC inmates work together to raise and train future service dogs for individuals with disabilities. Our joint program and
corresponding research aim to position both raisers and dogs for success, ultimately producing more healthy, trained, and
socialized future service dogs who can partner with more people.
The dogs in the Bridging Futures program come from Canine Companions, an accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to providing highly trained service dogs free of charge to people with disabilities. U of A student handlers are approved Canine Companions volunteers and members of Collar Scholars, an ASUA club that supports students in
raising and training future service dogs.
Researchers from the Human-Animal Well-Being Research Group at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine are currently conducting a funded research study to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this co-raising program on both the handlers and future service dogs involved (IRB protocol #00006775, IACUC Protocol #2025-1408). As part of this approved university research, the dogs participating in the Bridging Futures program are permitted in campus buildings and classrooms on a pre-approval basis. All dogs must meet strict safety, health, and behavior standards.
Have any questions about the research study?
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Contact PI Dr. Emily Bray at ebray@arizona.edu
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Want to volunteer as a Bridging Futures dog raiser or sitter?
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Contact Collar Scholars president Ayesha Rodrigues at ayeshar@arizona.edu