DogFest

About DogFest

DogFest is Canine Companions’ national signature event, proudly sponsored by Eukanuba, supporting our mission to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs, free of charge. These remarkable dogs make a profound impact by performing essential tasks like opening doors, picking up dropped items, alerting to sounds, and so much more.

Our dogs love us unconditionally, and the human-canine bond is truly powerful! Whether they are service dogs, working dogs, or cherished pets, there are countless stories of our best friends doing incredible things. We invite you to join the fun at your local DogFest, or participate virtually, as we celebrate the joy and companionship that dogs bring into our lives. Registration is free, and fundraising is encouraged to help make more life-changing partnerships possible.

a yellow lab puppy wearing a 2023 dogfest bandana

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.

A crowd of people with service dogs under a DogFest sign made out of letter balloons

DogFest 2025 Schedule

(Registration is open for events in bold) For more information about registration, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship, and vendor opportunities at DogFest, click any event below to learn more. If you are interested in opportunities at more than one event, please click here and complete this form.

Websites for unlinked events will be coming soon!

  • DogFest San Diego - TBD
  • DogFest Long Island / Northeast Region - TBD
  • DogFest Houston - TBD
  • DogFest Washington DC - TBD
  • DogFest Northwest - TBD

Stories of Independence

Chris & Nikko

New Castle County Police Department welcomed expertly trained Facility Dog Nikko to their team.

Nikko helps in criminal investigations, including calming a young girl long enough for detectives to gather necessary evidence from a crime scene.

“The whole situation was causing her stress and anxiety,” said Master Cpl. Chris Gigliotti, Nikko’s handler and a member of the department’s Community Services Unit. “So, we got on the floor and played. We taught her a couple of Nikko’s commands, and after about an hour, she became agreeable to the investigation.”

Nikko has been trained in numerous commands to ease trauma victims in stressful situations as well as assist children and other vulnerable populations.

Leigh & Nerf

Leigh in a wheel chair walking her service dog on the sidewalk

Leigh Dittman was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, which makes her bones weaker than normal and more prone to fractures. When it was time for her to apply for college, she knew that she would need physical help. That’s where Service Dog Nerf enters the picture.

”Nerf was the perfect match for me and now, with him by side, I am able to attend The University of Tampa and achieve my college dream. This wouldn’t have happened without Canine Companions.” shares Leigh.

When Leigh is at school or running errands, she needs some physical assistance. Nerf assists by retrieving dropped items, pulling Leigh’s manual wheelchair and other tasks that enable Leigh to be more independent and involved around campus and in life.