STREETSBORO, OH. – Jolly Pets, a leading manufacturer of durable and enriching pet toys, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Canine Companions®, the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to providing expertly trained service dogs to people with disabilities. Through this partnership, Jolly Pets will serve as the toy sponsor for Canine Companions, supporting their extraordinary mission to empower individuals with disabilities by providing service dogs free of charge.
As part of the partnership, Jolly Pets will supply quarterly shipments of toys to Canine Companions’ regional centers nationwide. These toys will be distributed to a wide variety of programs and initiatives, including graduates, volunteer puppy raisers, campus kennels, the prison program, the college program, whelping kits, puppy transports, new breeders, and the Canine Early Development Center (CEDC). Jolly Pets’ toys will play a crucial role in promoting play, enrichment, and mental stimulation for Canine Companions service dogs and puppies at every stage of their journey — from their early days of training to their lives as devoted service dogs to those in need.
Carissa Kehr, Partnership Manager at Jolly Pets, expressed excitement about the new collaboration: “We are incredibly honored to partner with Canine Companions, an organization whose values align closely with our own commitment to canine well-being. Our toys are designed to provide dogs with the physical and mental stimulation they need, and we are excited to be part of the important work Canine Companions is doing to help dogs develop into confident and happy service dogs. We look forward to seeing our toys play a role in these dogs’ journeys as they grow and develop the skills to change lives.”
With nearly three decades of experience in designing toys that cater to dogs’ natural instincts for play and enrichment, Jolly Pets’ commitment to quality and innovation is a natural fit for the partnership. Known for producing durable, safe, and engaging toys for dogs of all ages and sizes, Jolly Pets will provide toys designed to meet the unique needs of working dogs and puppies undergoing service dog training.
Louisa Casto, Marketing Director at Jolly Pets, added, “At Jolly Pets, we truly believe in the transformative power of play for dogs — not only for their physical health but for their mental well-being, too. This partnership with Canine Companions is a perfect alignment of our brand’s mission and their vision to help dogs become their best selves, providing life-changing service to those who need them. Our team is excited to see our toys make a meaningful impact in the lives of both these incredible dogs and the individuals they serve.”
Canine Companions has a long and impactful history of changing lives through expertly trained service dogs. Since its founding in 1975, the organization has placed thousands of service dogs with children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, providing a range of essential support, from retrieving dropped items to opening doors and increasing confidence. The professional training that these dogs undergo is extensive and requires constant focus, dedication, and encouragement — and Jolly Pets is committed to supporting Canine Companions by providing toys that contribute to this process.
Jeanine Konopelski, Chief Marketing Officer at Canine Companions, shared, “At Canine Companions, we value the transformative power of the human-canine bond. Through play, our service dogs and their handlers develop these deep, critical bonds that make for happy, healthy partnerships. Jolly Pets helps foster these bonds through their fun and adaptable toys for all stages of puppyhood and adulthood. Jolly Pets is giving our canine community the gift of joy and play. We appreciate our ongoing partnership and the fun it will bring every day to our constituents.”
Why Toys Matter for Service Dogs in Training
Service dogs undergo months of specialized training to learn the complex tasks required to assist people with disabilities, and toys play an essential role in ensuring their success. Jolly Pets’ toys are designed to enhance dogs’ physical health and stimulate their cognitive development, helping to sharpen the skills they need as service dogs. From engaging puzzle toys that challenge their problem-solving abilities to durable chew toys that satisfy natural instincts, the toys help these dogs stay happy, healthy, and ready to serve.
The prison and college programs, which involve inmates and students in the training of future service dogs, also benefit greatly from this partnership. The toys will aid in the socialization and development of puppies, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles. Additionally, the donation of toys to the CEDC and whelping kits will provide essential enrichment from the earliest stages of a puppy’s life, fostering curiosity, engagement, and overall well-being.
A Shared Commitment to Canine Enrichment and Well-Being
For both Jolly Pets and Canine Companions, the partnership reflects a shared belief in the importance of canine enrichment, health, and happiness. As Jolly Pets expands its support of charitable initiatives, the company remains dedicated to creating innovative, high-quality products that enrich the lives of dogs everywhere. This partnership with Canine Companions is just one example of how Jolly Pets is working to make a meaningful difference in the canine community.
About Canine Companions®
As the leader of the service dog industry, Canine Companions transforms the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs that assist with practical tasks, as well as provide unconditional love and acceptance—free of charge. This powerful relationship leads to increased independence, self-esteem and inclusion for a person with a disability. Established in 1975, Canine Companions is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and has six training centers across the country serving all 50 states. Learn more at canine.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
About Jolly Pets
Founded in 1994 in Northeast Ohio, Jolly Pets manufactures dog toys for all breeds and sizes. Its focus has always been on the happiness and health of your pet. It is the umbrella company for Kitty Kasas and Horsemen’s Pride. Its philanthropic arm, Jolly Rescues, works with shelters nationwide to help promote their adoptable dogs, provide them with supplies, and raise awareness about the importance of adopting shelter dogs. The made-in-the-USA product line is available in brick-and-mortar stores, including Tractor Supply Company, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus, PetSmart, and online at Amazon, Chewy, and more. For further information, visit www.JollyPets.com*.
About Tenth Avenue Holdings
Tenth Avenue Holdings, LLC* (TAH) is a privately held, diversified holding company based in New York City that operates and invests in privately and publicly held businesses. It is the parent company of Tenth Avenue Commerce, LLC (TAC). TAH was founded in 2008 to combine the founders’ close friendships with a shared desire to build an entity with enduring value. The company’s passion is for long-term value creation rooted in relationships with founders and operators. TAH’s current portfolio of private holdings and brands includes Barker Beds, Bronx Brewery, Brook & York, Caulipower, E- Garderobe, EQL by Kerrits, Eve’s Addiction, FaceVase, fromyouflowers.com*, H.Bloom, Horsemen’s Pride, Jolly Pets, Kerrits, Kitty Kasas, Lula’s Garden, Oughton, PackIt, sendflowers.com*, The Gift Basket Store, Under Your Skin. For more information, visit www.TenAve.com*.
# # #
Media Note: Interviews and images are available upon request.
Media Contact:
Alyson Brodsky
Matrix Partners
312-648-9972 x133
abrodsky@matrix1.com
**Please be aware that by clicking this link you are visiting sites that are not managed by Canine Companions. Website security, accessibility and privacy policies may be different than Canine Companions policies. Please read their policies closely.
