10 yellow lab puppies in yellow puppy capes sit in a row in a grassy field

Central Florida Chapter

Canine Companions
Southeast Region

ABOUT

Welcome to the Central Florida Chapter of Canine Companions. We are committed to empowering people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans at no cost.

Our chapter includes graduates, volunteers, puppy raisers, and donors, who are the driving force behind our mission and help Canine Companions lead with independence in Orlando and the surrounding area.

Volunteer Opportunities with the Central Florida Chapter

Join our community of volunteers dedicated to positively impacting the lives of individuals with disabilities. Here are some ways you can support Canine Companions regional training centers:

Assist with data entry, front desk duties, and general office tasks
Act as a campus docent, engage members and organize fundraisers
Provide care as a dog bather, walker, or foster sitter
Become a puppy raiser
Volunteer for event support, facility maintenance, and other vital roles
Community outreach and chapter leader and operations

Support DogFest

Our organization hosts DogFest events to raise funds that support Canine Companions’ mission of providing service dogs free of charge to people with disabilities. In the past, we’ve raised up to $95,000 at a single festival thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and attendees.

Watch a heartwarming video recap of DogFest Orlando to see all the fun and hear powerful stories.

Check out upcoming DogFest events in the Southeast to find one near you!

Get Involved and Stay Connected

Ready to make a difference with Canine Companions? Submit your volunteer application or Contact us to get started.

Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on our latest happenings, celebratory milestones, and the inspiring achievements of our clients.

REGIONAL EVENTS

Events in the Southeast Region

three Canine Companions service dogs wearing DogFest bandana

Find a DogFest in the Southeast Region

Join us for a DogFest in your community!

Click here to read more.

Photo of 2 black service dogs, 2 blonde service dogs in front of the Canine Companions Southeast Region sign

Campus Tours & Presentations

Join us for a tour of the Southeast Region Training Center. Advance reservations are required and some blackout dates apply. And we love to spread the word about our mission.

Click here to read more.

Light-colored puppy wearing a gold sparkle collar and blue ribbon bow against a confetti background with the text SIT. STAY. Sparkle.

Sit. Stay. Sparkle. Gala

Join us for an event filled with inspiring stories, lively entertainment, delightful cusisine and drinks and a great silent and live auction.

Click here to read more.

NEWS AND STORIES

Man speaking at a podium with a microphone during an indoor event

Naples Community Raises $400,000 to Support Canine Companions

May 6, 2026

Event hosted by National Board Member John Miller and his wife Kristin Miller will support life changing matches.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Two women in blue shirts stand on either side of a podium labeled IAAPA Expo 2025 on a stage with blue lighting and neon geometric light frames, each holding a leash attached to a seated yellow Labrador service dog wearing a vest.

Canine Companions Therapy Dog Teams at International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo

December 4, 2025

Canine Companions staff and therapy dog teams were invited to attend the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando, Florida, in November.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

A young man holding a black lab puppy in a yellow puppy vest, standing on a college campus next to a young woman

Puppy Raising Spotlight: Nick Morgan

March 20, 2023

As a volunteer puppy raiser, Nick takes Enzo to many places, allowing him to socialize with strangers, attend classes, walk amid crowds and become familiar with the world around him.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE