ACJ Marks One Year of TAILS Program
Published on June 11, 2026
“The TAILS program has exceeded our expectations.”
That’s how Katie Vecchi, Chief Shelter Operations Manager for Animal Friends, described the first year of shelter dogs being trained and adopted from the Allegheny County Jail.
The program began a year ago on June 11, 2025, when Ethel arrived from Animal Friends. It was a program debut that culminated after months of planning and forethought.
“We were excited to start the partnership with ACJ, but we had no idea how successful it would be,” Vecchi said.
That success includes a total of 14 dogs taking part in TAILS.
Kelsey Gordon, Female Pod Coordinator and leader of TAILS at the ACJ, said she was surprised how many dogs were adopted during the first year.
“Some have taken a little more time,” she said, “but most seem to come and go so fast.”
One reason is that several of the dogs have been adopted by jail staff.
Max, for example, was adopted by Sgt. John Raible, while Director of Nursing Holly Hall gave Raj his forever home.
Animal Friends, said Vecchi, has been happy to see how many staff have “fallen in love with the dogs and have adopted.”
“Sometimes,” she continued, “a location change is all a dog needs to be exposed to new people and eventually find a home.”
Gordon also said ACJ staff members have been integral in helping the program run smoothly.
“The impact on the pod has been nothing but positive,” Gordon said.
Everyone on the pod pitches in to help with the dogs as much as possible according to Gordon, and “the ladies are always happy to see the dogs mingling among the pod.”
Many jail staff members also stop by for visits.
“I get asked a lot when new dogs are coming, so it is something that staff has on their minds,” Gordon said.
She has a variety of employees – from officers to medical staff and everyone in between – visit the pod.
“Whether they are having a hard day or just need a few minutes to forget about work, I see people playing with them all the time,” Gordon said.
Vecchi said staff who oversee the program have been supportive and dedicated.
“They have been open to taking dogs with behavioral challenges or medical needs,” Vecchi said. “We know that these dogs have been able to be rehabilitated and/or become healthy again because of their time at ACJ.”
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4790 (cell).