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.
Our graduation ceremonies are held at each of our six regions and are open to the public. Join us in person or watch online!
To watch the latest regional ceremony recordings, see below.
2024 National Graduation Day Schedule
Fridays, February 9 • May 10 • August 9 • November 8
Southeast Region Graduation
Serving Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama.
Friday, November 8, 2024
11:00 a.m. ET
Northeast Region Graduation
Serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Friday, February 7, 2025, 12:30 p.m. ET
North Central Region Graduation
Serving Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Pennsylvania.
Friday, November 8, 2024
1:00 p.m. ET
South Central Region Graduation
Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.
Friday, November 8th, 2024
12 p.m. CT
Southwest Region Graduation
Serving Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Hawaii.
Friday, November 8, 2024
12:00 p.m. PT
Northwest Region Graduation
Serving Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.
Friday, November 8 2024
12:30 p.m. PT
"I enjoy celebrating and witnessing the full circle of the Canine Companions mission."
"My second Canine Companions puppy just graduated. The absolute best part for me was to see the connection and devotion he already had for his new partner!"
"Seeing the graduate light up, smile, laugh and sometimes, even cry - that's all incredibly special."
“My service dogs have helped me realize who I am as a person. Hudson made me brave. Geiler made me fun. And Data made me affectionate. They allowed me to chase my dreams.”
Hilary, Service Dog Graduate
“Now I can sleep knowing Holiday will wake me from nightmares, and she has even reduced the frequency of my flashbacks.”
Ron, Veterans Initiative Graduate
“I can’t remember what life was before Rupert, because he has taken every aspect of our life and made it so much better for Ellie."
Rebecca, Ellie's mother - Skilled Companion Graduate