Canine Companions for Independence is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
We are the largest nonprofit provider of assistance dogs, and are recognized worldwide for the excellence of our dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches we make between dogs and people.
We have provided many assistance dogs to US war veterans across the country. With the increase in wounded veterans who could benefit from an assistance dog, we want to do more. For a veteran making a new start putting their life back together from an injury, an assistance dog can provide the help they need to regain independence.
The dogs that become a Canine Companions assistance dog prepare for Team Training. Team Training is a two-week session that teaches the recipients proper care and handling of the Canine Companion.
After the training session and public access testing, recipients attend a graduation ceremony in which the puppy raiser passes the leash to the Graduate and the Graduate officially receives the Canine Companions assistance dog.
All Canine Companions dogs and services are provided free of charge.
To apply for an Assistance Dog, please fill out the online form on our website to request an application.
