A Service Dog Is
More Than A Vest™

Canine Companions Grassroots Advocacy Initiative

Joining other passionate volunteer advocates is an easy way to support Canine Companions! You can help amplify our position on legislation and policies that impact people with disabilities who rely on task-trained service dogs, including our clients. As a volunteer advocate, you can help in a variety of ways and with a commitment that fits your interest. You’ll also get exclusive access to educational webinars hosted by Canine Companions and guest presenters. Register as an advocate today!

Sign our petitions
Educate your community
Email your legislators
Support federal, state and local governance
Meet with legislators
Provide testimony for legislation

of service dog users report that they have encountered a poorly trained or out-of-control service or emotional support dog in public.

0 %

had an uncontrolled dog snap at, bite, bark at or interfere with their service dog while at a public place where pet dogs are not allowed.

0 %

report that poorly-trained or out-of-control service or emotional support dogs have had a negative impact on independence and quality of life.

0 %

TAKE ACTION – MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD NOW

Veterans Deserve Properly-Trained Service Dogs: Contact Your Legislator!

The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act (SAVES Act) was introduced to help more veterans access life-changing service dogs. But there’s a critical flaw in the current version of the bill: it doesn’t require service dog organizations receiving funding to meet the internationally recognized standards of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).

We’re asking Congress to add a simple provision: require participating service dog organizations to be accredited by ADI or IGDF.

National Service Dog Month is in September!
Request a local proclamation now.

You don’t need to be a professional advocate to make a big impact with a National Service Dog Month Proclamation. We’ve created a simple email template for you to send to your local elected officials. You can even add your personal story.

We can make National Service Dog Month known—and celebrated—nationwide.

Note for mobile phone users: enter your information and click submit to see your legislators and the prepopulated email we’ve created. To edit, scroll down and click on the pencil in the corner of the email. Your submission will not be sent before you review the message.

Find Your Legislators

In January 2025, thousands of new legislators were sworn into office across the country. As they work to understand all of the issues facing their constituents, it’s important that we educate them on the needs of service dog users.

That’s why we’ve created this form. By simply completing the form at the link below, you’ll send a message to your elected leaders with tools to educate them about service dogs. You’ll also introduce yourself as a resource in the community on issues affecting our community.

Advocacy Resources

Service Dog Fraud

Service Dog Etiquette

What is a service dog?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as a working animal trained in specific tasks that directly mitigate the effects of a handler’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in public.

Service dog teams are permitted in any location the public is allowed if they meet the definition above and are in control and behaving in a safe manner.

What businesses can expect from a service dog team.

Service dogs must be clean, in control and behave in a safe manner. Aggression or continued misconduct, including barking, interfering with customers or toileting accidents can legally result in the dog’s removal from a business under the ADA.

A Service Dog Is
More Than A Vest™