SANTA ROSA, California – It’s estimated by the American Veterinary Medical Association that 69 million households in the U.S. have at least one dog – that’s a lot of four-legged friends! But there are only enough service dogs in the country to assist one percent of the 61 million Americans living with a disability. September is National Service Dog Month, recognizing the hard work and life-changing impact service dogs have for their handlers.
Canine Companions is shining a light on expertly trained service dogs all month long, educating the public on the important role of service dogs in enhancing independence. We’re also getting recognition from our state and local legislators!
The cities, counties and states below are advocating for the rights of service dogs – including our graduates – across the country by signing a formal proclamation marking September as National Service Dog Month. The proclamations bring important awareness to communities on the role of service dogs and the laws that protect them.
STATES
- Idaho
- Maryland
- Ohio
COUNTIES & DISTRICTS
- District 5, San Diego County, California
- Brevard County, Florida
- Franklin County, Ohio
- Orange County, Florida
- Orange County, New York
CITIES
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Bellefontaine, Ohio
- Berkeley, California
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Brookhaven, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Columbus, Ohio
- Cresson, Texas
- Danville, California
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Fremont, California
- Hayden, Idaho
- Huntington Beach, California
- Irving, Texas
- Liberty Lake, Washington
- New Albany, Ohio
- Oceanside, California
- Pinole, California
- Pleasanton, California
- Raleigh, New Carolina
- Rockledge, Florida
- San Diego, California
- Sandpoint, Idaho
- San Ramon, California
- Santa Rosa, California
- Spokane, Washington
- Tampa, Florida
- Viera, Florida
“It’s so important that the general public understands the role of service dogs,”says Canine Companions Chief Executive Officer Paige Mazzoni. “The more awareness we can create, the fewer incidences of poorly trained dogs interfering with service dogs will happen. We’re grateful to those legislators who have chosen to recognize Service Dog Month during September.”
We look forward to more states and cities joining us to advocate for service dogs everywhere.
Want to Raise a Paw for service dogs? You can sign our pledge or learn more about advocacy at Canine Companions at canine.org/advocacy.