Did You Know?
Canine Companions hearing dog Xyla and her trainer were featured on the popular soap opera, Guiding Light in 1992. Xyla assisted the show’s character, A.C. Mallett, who was injured in an explosion.
Countdown to Our Golden Anniversary!
Founded on July 4, 1975, Canine Companions made history by creating the concept of what is now the modern-day service dog. We have celebrated many milestones over the past five decades, but our mission remains the same: To provide expertly trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals, free of charge.
Join us as we celebrate our rich history and look forward to a future of continued service and support!
Sharing Our Milestones
A Bold Beginning
Canine Companions is founded with a groundbreaking mission: to create the modern service dog. That same year, Abdul makes history as the first official service dog trained to assist someone with a disability.
Breaking Barriers
Canine Companions expands program to begin placing hearing dogs with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Building the Future
The first formal breeding program launches, setting the foundation for the expertly trained service dogs that Canine Companions continues to train today.
A Global Movement Begins
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is established with Canine Companions as a founding member, uniting organizations around the world to promote the vital role of assistance dogs.
A New Generation of Service Dogs
The Labrador/Golden Retriever cross is purpose bred as the primary service dog breed of Canine Companions, combining intelligence and temperament.
A Life-Changing Collaboration
Canine Companions partners with Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Oregon to launch the first prison puppy raising program. The program not only trains service dogs, but also helps reduce recidivism rates for incarcerated individuals.
2000s
A Focus on Health and Behavior
Canine Companions launches its study on canine health and behavior, opening new doors for research in canine cognition and health.
Serving Our Veterans
The Wounded Veterans Initiative (now called the Veterans Initiative™) is born, providing life-changing service dogs to injured U.S. war veterans.
Support for Veterans With PTSD
Canine Companions places its first service dogs with veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), helping them regain independence and confidence.
A Proud Partnership
A new partnership with Baylor Scott & White Health Kinkeade begins, further expanding the mission’s reach and impact.
Extending Our Impact
Canine Companions launches its Therapy Dog Program, certifying teams to work in therapeutic settings and provide comfort to those in need.
A New Era of Care
The Nelson Schulz Canine Health & Wellness Center opens at the Santa Rosa headquarters, marking a new chapter in commitment to canine health and research.
Touching Lives for Decades
Get Involved
Donate
Your gift directly assists hundreds of people waiting for their own FREE service dog to help increase independence and peace of mind.
Volunteer
Our mission is made possible, thanks to the thousands of volunteers who give so much. There are many opportunities available across the country that fit a variety of schedules.
Puppy Raise
Make a direct difference by volunteering to raise a future service dog. Socialize, train and prepare a puppy to become a hero.
Stay Connected
Read the latest news about Canine Companions and our life-changing mission of providing service dogs to people with disabilities.
Join the Fun
50th Anniversary Galas
Canine Companions galas are wonderful events happening all across the country, where our communities come together to celebrate our mission of providing service dogs, free of charge, to people with disabilities. We want you to join us to make unforgettable memories – while supporting our cause! For more information about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, live and silent auctions, donations and more, please click on the button below..
National Graduations
Canine Companions graduation is a special and heartwarming celebration when our clients with disabilities receive their service dogs to begin new journeys. This event marks the start to their lifelong human-canine partnerships – so they can live their lives to the fullest.
DogFest
Canine Companions graduation is a special and heartwarming celebration when our clients with disabilities receive their service dogs to begin new journeys. This event marks the start to their lifelong human-canine partnerships – so they can live their lives to the fullest.
Other Events
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate in 2025. Learn more about our exciting events, and how you can get involved!
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