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Canine Companions Graduations

New beginnings and more hopeful futures are possible all year round at Canine Companions. Instead of a diploma, our graduates are handed a leash attached to an eager dog that will make a life-changing impact – enhancing independence for people with disabilities to lead confident journeys ahead.

“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

Canine Companions graduation ceremonies honor people with disabilities placed with expertly trained service dogs nationwide. This celebration marks the end of a service dog’s professional training and the beginning of a partnership between a human and a canine that will provide endless service and companionship. Graduations are open to the public and a wonderful event you won’t forget.

yellow and black labs in yellow puppy vests sit in front of a building wearing mortar board graduation hats

2023 National Graduation Day Schedule

February 10, 2023

May 12, 2023

August 11, 2023

November 3, 2023

Attend in person or watch online.
To watch the latest regional ceremony recordings, see below.

Northwest Region Graduation

Date: March 3
Time: 12:30 p.m. PT

Serving Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.

Southeast Region Graduation

Date: March 3
Time: 11 a.m. EST

Serving Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama.

North Central Region Graduation

Date: February 10
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

Serving Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Pennsylvania.

Northeast Region Graduation

Date: February 10
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET

Serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Southwest Region Graduation

Date: February 10
Time: 12 p.m. PT

Serving Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Hawaii.

South Central Region Graduation

Date: February 10
Time: 12 p.m. CT

Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.