A program pairing abandoned dogs with female prisoners has been deemed a success, with the first two dogs to graduate ahead of schedule.

The 'Mates for Inmates' program at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre began last month.

The trial at the women's prison introduced dogs into the facility for the first time.

Dogs have been retrained in an attempt to hopefully find them a new home.

Six women have been involved in the trial, which has been modelled on overseas programs.

The program is already proving to be a success, with the first two dogs to enter the facility graduating ahead of schedule.

One dog, Ziggy, was taken to Animal Aid after its owners could no longer take care of him.

While Amber, a terrier mix, was unclaimed from a local pound.

Dr Linda Marston from Animal Aid says the inmates have done a great job at training Amber and Ziggy.

"They have done so well they're actually going to to be graduating this week and going up for adoption," she says.

"It's sensational and we'll start our second group of dogs hopefully this Friday."

The dogs are not the only ones to benefit.

The prisoners have been taught a variety of skills including dog handling, grooming and they will also gain a certificate at the end of their training.

"We're hoping this initial pilot will be extended either with a second pilot or a more permanent program, which we can use in the prisons for an incentive pathway," she said.

"Basically it's another option for the ladies to have a way of developing more employability skills."

Melbourne City Mission raised the $15,000 needed to set up the pilot and it hopes it will be able to keep the program running indefinitely given its early success.