DogFest

Smiling woman kneeling and holding a black dog in a red harness beside a bright blue DogFest banner with montage photos and yellow heart.

DogFest: Our Signature Fundraising Event!

DogFest, proudly sponsored by Eukanuba, is the national signature fundraising event for Canine Companions. Through peer-to-peer fundraising, people across the country help support our mission of providing expertly trained service dogs at no cost to people with disabilities — whether they attend in person or participate virtually.

  • You don’t need fundraising experience.
  • You don’t need to attend in person.
  • You just need a reason to get started!

DogFest fundraisers include students, young professionals, families, longtime supporters and first-time participants — all united by a belief in greater opportunity, access and independence.

A group of people wearing blue shirts and name tags standing under a yellow tent with the text "Lead with Independence." They are holding pink bags and smiling.
Group of people on a grassy lawn waving and posing with several service dogs in vests, trees and buildings behind.

How DogFest Works

1. Choose an event to support – Select a DogFest event or participate virtually from anywhere.

2. Fundraise your way – Create your personal fundraising page, share why you’re participating and invite your friends, family and colleagues to support you. We provide simple tools, tips and templates to make your fundraising efforts approachable and effective.

3. Celebrate together – Join us on event day or participate virtually, as part of a nationwide community working toward a shared goal.

What DogFest Looks Like

DogFest brings together fundraisers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters to celebrate connection, progress and shared impact — each event shaped by the people who make it possible.

Fundraising Is Easier Than You Think

Here are some easy and successful tips on how to fundraise for DogFest:

  • Share your story on social media
  • Ask friends and family to donate for your birthday, instead of giving gifts
  • Fundraise with coworkers, classmates or community groups
  • Memorialize or recognize a loved one

DogFest 2026 Schedule

Ready to Get Started?

Choose a DogFest to participate in and take the first step toward creating life-changing service dog partnerships across the country!

Websites for unlinked events will be coming soon!

A collage featuring a French Bulldog laying on grass, a band performing with a guitarist and a singer, a "Dogfest 2024" sign with people and a Labrador, and a market stall with people browsing.
A young boy in a wheelchair interacts with a black service dog from Canine Companions, indoors.

Why We Fundraise

Canine Companions transforms the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs. Our dogs perform practical tasks that enhance independence and reduce reliance on others. They aren’t just the eyes and ears, hands and legs of their human partners, they’re also goodwill ambassadors and often, our best friends. A student achieves their dreams of attending college. A veteran gets a good night sleep. A patient can endure an additional procedure. Lives are transformed after being matched and working with a Canine Companions service dog.

According to the U.S. Census, nearly 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have a disability. While it costs approximately $50,000 to raise and train every Canine Companions service dog and provide ongoing support to the human-canine team, each dog is provided to the recipient completely FREE of charge. Canine Companions has placed over 7,500 service dogs, but more than 400 people with disabilities are still waiting for a match.

Our service dogs open up new opportunities and spread incredible joy. By raising funds through DogFest, you support our mission and the people we serve. Thank you.