CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE
Organization Details
Mission Statement
CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT ENHANCES THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BY PROVIDING EXPERTLY TRAINED SERVICE DOGS AND ONGOING SUPPORT TO ENSURE QUALITY PARTNERSHIPS, AT NO COST TO CLIENTS.
Financial Information (2024)
Recent Progress (2026)
Canine Companions' March–June 2026 period was defined by the momentum of its 50th anniversary year, combining record fundraising, pipeline expansion, and deepening community reach. The Sit. Stay. Sparkle. gala season culminated in more than $1.56 million raised across three regional events in June alone, while a Naples community fundraiser added $400,000 in May. National Graduation Day on May 15 saw 17 new teams graduate from the Northwest Region Training Center across six simultaneous regional ceremonies. The volunteer pipeline grew through 30+ collegiate clubs, a Prison Puppy Raising Program now spanning 25 locations, and high-profile sports partnerships with the Washington Nationals and Pensacola Blue Wahoos. The Facility Dog Program expanded with placements at the West Texas VA and a courthouse in Contra Costa County, while the Early Alert Canines program for children with Type 1 diabetes drew significant donor attention amid a growing waitlist.
Key Achievements
- 💰Three Sit. Stay. Sparkle. galas raised a combined total of more than $1.56 million to fund free service dog placements.
- 🏆The North Central Region's Sit. Stay. Sparkle. gala was a record-breaking success, raising more than $610,000.
- 🐕The Prison Puppy Raising Program operates across 25 locations nationwide, with the first two puppies from Southeastern Correctional Institution now in professional training.
- ⚾Puppy Skipper joined as the fourth Pensacola Blue Wahoos team puppy, beginning an 18-month training journey toward becoming a service dog.
- 🤝Bread Financial's annual Pay It Forward Week contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours in support of Canine Companions' mission.