 Internal file data reviews, anecdotal stories, and surveys of inmate and staff perceptions have been used to gauge the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in prisons, but these methods are limited and have resulted in an inadequate assessment.Researchers have, however, begun to find methods of gauging the effectiveness of prison animal programs (PAP) by using Propensity Score Watching.Conclusions through this method showed that PAPs positively impact reductions in severe or violent infractions.