Grab a Leash for DogFest Washington DC 2024 - 11th Annual 2024!

Presented by 

Gather your friends, family and dogs for a day of fun on October 5 at Reston Town Center.

Welcome to DogFest: A Special Event Celebrating the Extraordinary Bond Between Humans and Canines!

DogFest stands as more than just a fundraiser; it is the signature event of Canine Companions, embodying our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through the incredible support of expertly trained service dogs.

This lively celebration unites pet dogs, service dogs, and families, creating a magical day that honors the extraordinary bond we share with our four-legged friends.

Your participation in this fun event directly supports the mission of Canine Companions, providing greater independence to people with disabilities through the assistance of expertly trained service dogs, offered at no cost. Donations cover Professional Training and Service Dog matching and follow up. 

At DogFest, we extend a warm invitation to pet dogs and families, encouraging all to join the festivities! This event is dog- and family-friendly, free, and open to the public. We also encourage and appreciate fundraising efforts to contribute to this vital cause.

Help us make this day truly special by joining the culmination of year-round fundraising during this community event that the whole family can enjoy – including your pups! Your support makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those who benefit from the companionship and assistance of these exceptional service dogs.

October 5 - 11:00 a.m. - Reston Town Center in Reston, VA

We will have fun activities, such as:

• A FREE yoga session by Beloved Yoga at 11:15 am to kick off DogFest! 
• Dog Training Demos
• A Children's Activity Area provided by We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym
• Dog Enrichment Areas sponsored by Unleashed Abilities
• Dog Contests & Exciting Prizes
• Service Dog Demonstrations
• Vendor Booths lining Market Street
• Yard Sale benefitting Canine Companions
• Music provided by Bach2Rock
• A Celebratory Walk & Roll around Reston Town Center
• Unleashed Abilities will be performing AKC Canine Good Citizens testing

And Much More!

Planning to bring your pup? Register now and get a free dog bandana.

Other ways to get involved

• Volunteer
• Become a vendor
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Donate

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients. 

“My biggest life lesson is to see MS as an inconvenience rather than a roadblock.  With Samantha’s help I can do anything anyone else can—I just have to figure out how to do it differently, and, yes, I live life to the fullest every day.” ~ Nancy Lagasse with Service Dog Samantha

When you raise funds through DogFest, you make a direct impact and make the gift of enhanced independence possible for the people we serve. Get started now!

Click here to learn more about this important cause.

Sgt. Michael Carrasquillo was an airborne infantryman, and fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was severely wounded in a firefight in Sept. 2005 during an air assault mission in Afghanistan. He was attempting to pull an injured member of his unit to safety when he was hit with a barrage of enemy gunfire. He spent two years recovering at Walter Reed, with more than 40 surgeries. Sgt. Carrasquillo received a Purple Heart for his heroics. In May Of 2016, Mike was matched with his much loved service dog Ojai IV. Today, Mike lives in Maryland and is a standup comedian, getting his start through the Armed Services Arts Partnership. He is also active in veterans outreach programs such as Wounded Warrior Project, Mission Continues, Disabled Sports USA and Team Red, White and Blue. Mike is an active advocate for Canine Companions Veterans Initiative!