Canine Companions for Independence
Overview
Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a prominent non-profit organization that provides expertly trained assistance dogs, free of charge, to individuals with disabilities. Founded in 1975 by Bonnie Bergin, it has grown into a national entity with multiple training centers across the United States. Based in Santa Rosa, California, CCI has raised significant funds to support its mission, including a total of over $3 million from the Lions Club Project. The organization focuses on enhancing independence for people with physical impairments through the aid of service dogs.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Canine Companions announced the upcoming "Independence is Golden" celebration, a gala event scheduled for March 2025 to mark its 50th anniversary. This event reflects the organization's dedication to fostering community engagement and support.
- October 2024: Paige Mazzoni, CEO of Canine Companions, was appointed to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee, reinforcing the organization’s influence in shaping policies for accessibility and rights of individuals with disabilities.
- September 2024: The organization partnered with Jolly Pets as a toy sponsor, which underscores its commitment to providing enriching environments for service dogs in training.
- August 2024: Canine Companions featured in a new Netflix documentary "Inside the Mind of a Dog," highlighting their service dog training programs and initiatives.
- July 2024: The organization launched a $100,000 donation match initiative to support veterans, children, and adults on the waiting list for a service dog. This initiative was underlined by substantial media coverage, demonstrating Canine Companions' wide-ranging impact.
- March 2024: CCI collaborated with Dolly Parton for a CBS special, enhancing its visibility and outreach potential. Additionally, a new live puppy cam event was launched to engage supporters and raise awareness during National Puppy Day.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | July 1975 |
| Headquarters | Santa Rosa, California |
| Founders | Bonnie Bergin |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not applicable (non-profit) |
| Key Investors | Lions Club Project |
| Industry | Non-profit/Service Animal Training |
| Number of Employees | Not explicitly disclosed |
Early History
Canine Companions for Independence was established in 1975 by Bonnie Bergin in Santa Rosa, California. Inspired by witnessing disabled individuals in Asia using animals for assistance, Bergin created a pioneering model in the U.S. for training dogs to assist people with disabilities. The organization started with a singular vision of transforming the lives of those with disabilities through the companionship and aid of service dogs, fostering greater independence and mobility. By the early 1980s, CCI had expanded its reach and developed a comprehensive training program tailored to the unique needs of recipients.
Company Profile and Achievements
Canine Companions provides highly trained service dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. The organization offers its services free of charge, relying on donations and grants to sustain its operations. CCI’s dogs undergo rigorous training to perform over 40 different commands designed to assist with tasks such as retrieving dropped items, alerting to sounds, and providing stability during movement.
- 1975: Founded by Bonnie Bergin with a pioneering vision of service dog training.
- 1983: The Lions Club Project became a significant donor, contributing millions over the years.
- 2005: Introduced the Veterans Initiative, providing service dogs specifically for injured and disabled veterans.
- 2015: Partnered with Henry Schein Animal Health, offering puppy raisers access to health care products for the dogs.
- Today: Canine Companions continues to lead the service dog industry with over 6,000 dogs placed.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Canine Companions operates six regional training centers located in the United States, including its headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. The organization is revered for its high standards of training and service, consistently recognized as a leader in the service dog industry. This acknowledgment stems from its strong ethical training programs and partnerships with notable organizations such as PetSmart and Jolly Pets. Canine Companions commands a significant share of the service dog provision market, marked by its extensive network of volunteers and partnerships that bolster its mission.
Conclusion
Canine Companions for Independence has played a transformative role in the lives of thousands of individuals since its inception in 1975. With a commitment to fostering greater independence through the aid of expertly trained service dogs, CCI has solidified its reputation as a beacon in the non-profit sector. Looking ahead, Canine Companions aims to expand its reach, continue improving training methodologies, and strengthen its advocacy for service dog users worldwide. The organization's enduring legacy is rooted in its unwavering dedication to enhancing independence and its innovative approaches to partnership and support.