Canine Companions, the leading nonprofit provider of expertly trained service dogs, is proud to host its 2025 National Conference from July 18–20 in Sonoma County, bringing together staff, volunteers, graduates and partners from across the country to celebrate 50 years of empowering independence.
Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country and the organization’s National Headquarters in Santa Rosa, the conference features a weekend of engaging programming, breakout sessions and community-building events centered around the life-changing impact of service dogs.
This milestone event is more than a celebration of the organization—it’s a tribute to the thousands of volunteers, supporters and advocates who make Canine Companions’ mission possible. From puppy raisers and campus volunteers to chapter leaders, donors, partners and clients, this community has transformed lives for five decades through the power of service dogs. The National Conference is a time to learn, connect, be inspired and celebrate the extraordinary legacy that has enabled greater independence for people with disabilities.
The event will feature keynote addresses, breakout discussions on disability inclusion, volunteer engagement, health and wellness for dogs and the organization’s trailblazing Prison Puppy Raising Program. Attendees will also tour Canine Companions’ newly opened Canine Health & Wellness Center and participate in a celebratory reception.
Serving as emcee is Ryan Curry, a San Francisco–based reporter for KCRA-NBC. Ryan and his family have deep ties to Canine Companions—his mother, Kathleen, is currently partnered with her second service dog, Chip, who was raised by inmates at Coffee Creek Correctional Center. Their first service dog, Aruba, and now Chip have brought tremendous independence to Kathleen, who uses a wheelchair. Whether picking up items or assisting at medical appointments, these dogs have transformed daily life for their family. Ryan previously reported for KGO-ABC, where he covered the first puppies to matriculate out of San Quentin and was deeply inspired by the skill and commitment of the incarcerated raisers.
Featured speakers include:
- Paige Mazzoni, Chief Executive Officer, Canine Companions
- Racquel White, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Eukanuba
Canine Companions is honored to welcome Racquel White from Eukanuba as a featured speaker at this year’s event. A senior leader at Eukanuba’s parent company, Royal Canin North America, Racquel brings deep expertise and perspective to the conversation. Eukanuba has been Canine Companions’ longest-standing national partner and is their exclusive dog food partner, supporting the mission for nearly 35 years and helping provide independence through service dogs.
Racquel is a leader in reputation, communications and stakeholder engagement at Royal Canin North America, a role she’s held since 2021. She is committed to responsibly creating and growing sustainable businesses through relationship management, removing roadblocks and enabling positive growth.
With over 30 years of experience building, enhancing and protecting corporate reputations across a variety of industries, Racquel has nurtured key relationships in global governments, led M&A integrations, managed crises, and advised legacy brands including Marriott, The Coca-Cola Company, Newell Brands and Mars, Inc.
Special thanks to the generous National Conference sponsors:
Eukanuba, Google, CareCredit, Adequan Canine, VCA Animal Hospitals, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards and Goughnuts.
Founded in 1975, Canine Companions has placed more than 8,300 service dogs with adults, children, and veterans with disabilities. The organization operates six regional training centers nationwide and provides all services free of charge.
To learn more about Canine Companions and the 50th Anniversary celebration, visit canine.org.