Enhancing Independence

As we celebrate 50 years of Canine Companions, we remain dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs at no cost. Our service dogs are trained to assist with daily tasks, offering independence and confidence to those in need. Whether it's a student achieving their dream of attending college, a veteran getting a restful night’s sleep, or a patient enduring an additional procedure, lives are transformed when matched with a Canine Companions service dog.

Preston with Service Dog Patch

Preston is nine years old and an active, bright, energetic kid, involved in Cub Scouts and Miracle League Baseball. Born with a disability that affects his mobility, he relies on assistive tools to stay independent - oftentimes crutches or a wheelchair, and always his Canine Companions service dog, Patch.

“Patch can help him stand independently, she can help pick up his shoes, his socks, his braces,” says Preston’s mom, Carolyn. “She can help him clean his room, but more importantly, they can do it shortened time and with him expending half the energy, and for cerebral palsy, that is a big deal.”

Since their partnership began, Carolyn says she has seen an unexpected change in her son. “What I didn’t see coming was the confidence Patch has unleashed in him. Now, he has a battle buddy that is unique, just like him.”

Since our inception, Canine Companions has placed over 8,500  service dogs. Yet, hundreds of individuals with disabilities are still waiting for their very own perfect match. Your fundraising efforts through DogFest play a crucial role in supporting this mission and helping us extend our reach to those in need.

Get started today, and help  make a difference, as we mark 50 years of transforming lives!

Learn more about Canine Companions at canine.org.

National Service Dog Month

DogFest is our  signature event, taking place in cities across the country. We hold DogFest in or around September to celebrate National Service Dog Month—a time dedicated to honoring the hard work and life-changing impact that service dogs have every day on people with disabilities .  Together, let’s celebrate five decades of remarkable achievements and  life-changing impacts we’ve made and will continue to make in the future! 

Click here to learn more about National Service Dog Month!

About Service Dogs

DogFest is a day to celebrate the joy that all dogs bring to our lives, from working dogs to beloved pets. Did you know that service dogs have specific access rights and roles that differ from those of pets?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are legally allowed to accompany their handlers almost anywhere, including places where pets aren’t  permitted. While you might see them out and about in the community, remember that service dogs are working and have important tasks to perform. Handlers often welcome questions and interaction, but keep in mind a few essential etiquette tips.

Click here to learn more about Service Dog etiquette.

We encourage you to meet some of our Canine Companions clients and their service dogs at DogFest and to keep these important tips in mind!

Register you and your pups for DogFest to receive a free bandana and join the fun!