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DogFest Southwest 2026

DogFest Southwest 2026 is Saturday, September 19

Make a life-changing impact for those in need of a service dog and celebrate the transformative power of pups on Saturday, Sept. 19, at DogFest Southwest 2026! Join us at Liberty Station Central Promenade in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego.*

DogFest Southwest 2026 invites you to join us for live music, games for people and pets alike and a puppy costume contest. Hear from a Canine Companions client and service dog team. DogFest Southwest visitors will also have the opportunity to interact with vendors and sponsors.

Man in a wheelchair speaking into a microphone with a black service dog in a blue vest at his feet, woman seated nearby.

At DogFest Southwest 2026, you’ll have an opportunity to hear from a Canine Companions client and learn firsthand of the life-changing difference your participations provides. United States Air Force veteran Buddy, alongside his service dog Kiva, addressed the audience at DogFest Southwest 2025 to share his story of independence.

“She’s a really great motivator,” Buddy said of Kiva, whom he credits with keeping him active. “She’s expecting something to be happening all day until it’s time to sleep. And I go to veterans’ groups and tell them, ‘What gets our butts out of bed? Well, when your dog is there looking at you, you know your day’s begun.’”

Providing Kiva with the care she needs and full, engaging days gives Buddy a sense of fulfillment. An avid beachgoer, he said that taking his Service Dog to enjoy the Pacific coastline in San Diego County — playing Frisbee and soaking up the sunshine — is one of his favorite pastimes with Kiva.

In turn, Kiva is a loyal and trusted companion. She is the third service dog Buddy has been partnered with. Though well-acquainted with the process, he still marvels at their ability not only to assist with routine tasks like retrieving items, but also to intuitively know when it’s appropriate to do so.

Buddy said he feels privileged to share his experiences with fellow veterans.

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See the sights from DogFest Southwest 2025:

A large inflatable golden retriever dog is tied with a leash in front of a wooden sign that reads 'Love Road.' The background features greenery and colorful tents, suggesting a festive outdoor event.

A decorative sign featuring a large yellow '50' and a blue figure holding a child, set against an outdoor background with people and tents visible in soft focus.

A group of ten young women pose for a photo at Dog Fest, standing in front of a sign that says 'DOG FEST'. They are dressed in athletic attire, with some wearing t-shirts that reference basketball and cheerleading. The background features a storefront with an open door, and the ground is covered with green grass-like turf.

A small, brown and white dog wearing a blue jersey and yellow bandana walks on a textured orange surface while next to a person wearing beige Vans sneakers and gray pants.

A small dog wearing a blue sports jersey with yellow accents stands on a sidewalk, looking up. The dog has fluffy fur and is attached to a pink leash, with a person's leg visible in the background, wearing shorts and sandals.

A light-colored labrador puppy on a leash is looking towards a black cocker spaniel. The scene includes a person's leg wearing black leggings and a shoe, and a pink bag in the background.

A woman gestures while standing in front of a white wooden chair, with blue decorations in the background and a group of seated individuals watching her.

A young yellow Labrador Retriever wearing a bright yellow bandana stands on a paved path next to green artificial grass, while a hand reaches toward it.

A yellow Labrador wearing a blue harness with the label 'Canine Companions' stands on a sidewalk, surrounded by people and a parked stroller in the background.

A man speaking into a microphone while standing at a podium with 'Canine Companions' branding, next to a woman in a gray shirt with a name tag, during an event outdoors with a backdrop featuring dog images. The scene has green grass in the foreground.

Two people stand outdoors at a celebration event related to Canine Companions, with a banner in the background. A man in a green shirt smiles beside a woman in a gray staff polo holding a framed proclamation.

An elderly woman with gray, curly hair wearing sunglasses and a blue striped shirt sits next to a man in a wheelchair wearing a blue polo shirt and sunglasses, who is speaking into a microphone. A girl in the background watches while a couple of black dogs wearing service vests lie on the ground near them.

A group of six women standing together outdoors next to a large inflatable golden retriever. One woman has a dog on a leash, while others are in matching gray polo shirts and casual attire. The background features tents and a blue sky with clouds.

A person stands next to a large inflatable dog, resembling a golden retriever, at an outdoor event with tents and people in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A smiling woman with blonde hair poses with peace signs at a booth for Canine Companions, surrounded by blue t-shirts and a pink bag, set in a lively outdoor event.

Three volunteers at an outdoor booth for 'Canine Companions' event, with two individuals sitting at a table covered in yellow cloth and a laptop, surrounded by colorful balloons and pink promotional bags in the background.

Two women stand at a table set up for Canine Companions, both wearing sunglasses; one in a blue shirt and the other in a yellow t-shirt. A colorful tent is above them, and promotional materials for the organization are displayed on the table.

Two women standing in front of a yellow tent that reads 'Canine Companions.' One woman, wearing sunglasses and a blue shirt, is beside a prize drop game with colorful stickers. The other woman, also in sunglasses, wears a yellow shirt and stands next to her, smiling.

Four women posing together under a blue canopy at an outdoor event, with a festive background of blue and yellow decorations. The first woman on the left wears a black tank top and a cap, the second woman wears a black shirt, the third has a green shirt with the text 'Stella’s', and the fourth has a black top, all smiling.

A volunteer in a yellow shirt labeled 'VOLUNTEER' is interacting with a game called 'PRIZEDROP' at an outdoor event under a yellow tent. The background features people socializing, tables with refreshments, and string lights.

A woman stands at a booth with a prize drop game, while a Labrador Retriever wearing a yellow bandana curiously examines the game. The booth features dog leashes and a sign celebrating 50 years of the organization. Behind them, people are mingling in an outdoor event.

A joyful child wearing glasses and a hat holds a cupcake, grinning at the camera, while an adult with a floral shirt sits behind him. The background features other people in a festive outdoor setting with colorful decorations and a table.

A group of people sitting at a picnic table in a park-like setting, with two Labrador retrievers wearing yellow bandanas that say 'Dogfest'. A woman in a pink shirt sits on the ground petting one of the dogs, while a smiling man and woman, both seated at the table, enjoy the scene. The background features people socializing, with decor in blue and yellow.

A smiling man in a black polo shirt stands beside a young man in a wheelchair wearing a blue baseball cap and a blue "Dogfest 2024" t-shirt, with a yellow Labrador service dog leaning towards him. A woman in a blue shirt stands behind them, and a lively outdoor setting with people seated at tables is in the background.

Three individuals, two in wheelchairs and one seated, participate in an outdoor event named DogFest, with large balloons spelling 'DOGFEST' in the background. The individuals are accompanied by two black dogs, and banners promoting Canine Companions are visible.

A group of four people gather at a lively outdoor event called DogFest, with colorful decorations in the background. An elderly woman in a wide-brimmed straw hat and a gray t-shirt with dog illustrations stands beside a young woman in a wheelchair holding a small dog. A man in a blue shirt holds a Shih Tzu, and a yellow labrador rests at the young woman's feet, creating a warm, community atmosphere.

A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a yellow t-shirt and a blue lanyard, smiles at the camera while sitting at a table in an outdoor event setting. In the background, a blue tent is visible with people gathered around.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a bright yellow t-shirt with 'DOGFEST' printed on it is smiling and holding a tablet. She has brown hair and is standing outdoors with a cloudy sky in the background.

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing sunglasses and a yellow shirt that says 'Canine Companions DOGFEST' stands outdoors holding a colorful dog harness and poop bags, with a food stand in the background.

Colorful balloons spelling out "DOG FEST" in blue and gold are displayed on a wall, alongside banners for Canine Companions, celebrating their 50th anniversary and promoting volunteer opportunities.

A smiling woman holding a pink object stands beside a white dog at a booth with a yellow tablecloth displaying 'Canine Companions.' The background features other attendees and a colorful tent with informational banners and decorative balloons.

*Please be aware that by clicking the link to this website you are visiting a site that is not managed by Canine Companions. Website security, accessibility and privacy policies may be different than Canine Companions policies. Please read their policies closely.

DogFest Southwest 2026

DogFest Southwest 2026 is Saturday, September 19

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