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.  

Independence shouldn’t be limited to those who look or live a certain way. Disability reaches all races, classes and backgrounds, and Canine Companions will too.  Clients come to Canine Companions because of our reputation, the quality of our dogs, the experience of our training staff and the desire to lead life with greater independence. We are committed to providing services to all qualified clients. 

Our Core Values

Teamwork – We believe in the joyful, transformative power of the human-canine partnership.

Compassionate Service – We act with respect, empathy and collaboration in service of our community, our constituents and each other.

Integrity – We do what is right guided by honesty, accountability and sincerity.

Community – We practice inclusion and acceptance to build impactful relationships within our diverse community.

Excellence – We conduct ourselves with professionalism in pursuit of the highest standards.

Innovation – We reinvent possibility to unleash our greatest potential.

Read more about our Core Values.

Strategic Plan

2028 – that’s the year Canine Companions will reach our ambitious and aspirational goal to become the most recognized leader of our industry, able to provide service dogs – expertly trained, highest quality, free of charge – to all qualified applicants. As the leaders of the service dog industry, we continue to have a waitlist of those needing our services. We aspire to end or reduce our waitlist and in the process set a new standard of best practices for the industry.

To reach this goal, we will: evaluate and strengthen our brand, review and optimize our program methods, create deeper volunteer engagement, ensure an active and diverse team and community, activate fundraising initiatives, and identify key strategic partners to support constant innovation. Click here to find out more about our strategic plan and the key steps that have been taken.<!–Click here to find out more about our strategic plan and the key steps that have been taken.–>