DogFest Bay Area 2023 supporting Canine Companions®
DogFest Bay Area 2023 supporting Canine Companions®
About DogFest Bay Area 2023
Gather your friends, family and dogs for a day of fun!
The human-canine bond is truly unique. On our happiest and hardest of days, our dogs love us endlessly. They are our everyday heroes in so many ways. Whether as service dogs, working dogs or pet dogs, there are countless tales of man's best friend doing amazing things. Join the fun at your local DogFest or participate virtually as we celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives. Registration is free. Fundraising is encouraged. There are sponsorship and volunteer opportunities too! Vendor list is full for 2023.
When registering, be sure to indicate you are bringing a dog to get your free DogFest dog bandana. Then fundraise to qualify for some fun DogFest swag!
Be sure to check out our Facebook event page for the latest on DogFest Bay Area, participate in dog-friendly activities and let people know why you are participating. You can even download this fun sign and let everyone know how your dog brings you joy.
DogFest supports the mission of Canine Companions to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge. These service dogs make a profound impact through the jobs they do like opening doors, picking up dropped items, alerting to sounds and much more.
We look forward to seeing you at DogFest Bay Area! Attendees will enjoy activities and entertainment or the whole family, local vendors and our annual canine costume contest.
Don’t miss out on DogFest. Join the fun!
Canine Companions' Impact Since 1975
More Reasons to Support
Date
Starts at: October 21, 2023 1:00 PM
Ends at: October 21, 2023 6:00 PM
Location
Jack London Square
472 Water Street
Oakland,CA 94607 USA
Contact
1-800-572-2275
Why We Fundraise
Canine Companions transforms the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs. Our dogs perform practical tasks that enhance independence and reduce reliance on others. They aren't just the eyes and ears, hands and legs of their human partners, they're also goodwill ambassadors and often, our best friends. A student achieves their dreams of attending college. A veteran gets a good night sleep. A patient can endure an additional procedure. Lives are transformed after being matched and working with a Canine Companions service dog.
According to the U.S. Census, nearly 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have a disability. While it costs approximately $50,000 to raise and train every Canine Companions service dog and provide ongoing support to the human-canine team, each dog is provided to the recipient completely FREE of charge. Canine Companions has placed over 7,500 service dogs, but more than 400 people with disabilities are still waiting for a match.
Our service dogs open up new opportunities and spread incredible joy. By raising funds through DogFest, you support our mission and the people we serve. Thank you.
Canine Companions in the Bay Area
- More than 185 active service and facility dog teams
- More than 70 active puppy raisers
Stories of Independence
Jack and Service Dog Drake
14-year-old Jack of Santa Clara, California has cerebral palsy. While using an electronic wheelchair for mobility, he enjoys playing power soccer and baseball on his local little league’s challenger team. In 2017, Jack was matched with Service Dog Drake, and his life has been deeply impacted. Drake enhances Jack’s independence by picking up and delivering dropped items, opening and closing doors and drawers, and by serving as a social bridge to Jack’s peers. Jack says, "When Drake visits me at school, all the kids ask me if they can pet him, which I like, because it helps them want to get to know me, too."
The 45 tasks that Drake knows also helps Jack in his therapy sessions. Jana shares, "In physical therapy, Drake lays down next to Jack while the therapist tests his range of motion a task that used to be dreaded is easier with his best friend by his side. And during occupational therapy, we use Drake’s commands to make sessions more fun." Jana continues, "Now Jack is showing greater use of his non-dominant hand." Drake enhances Jack’s independence, motivates him during physical therapy and encourages inclusion amongst his peers. Jana captures it perfectly: “Since receiving Drake, Jack has become more self-confident, shown more responsibility and connected with his peers more than ever before."
Rosemary and Service Dog Dom
Disability inclusion consultant Rosemary of Berkeley, California, had Canine Companions Service Dog Eureka by her side to help her as a child and teen. A few years after Eureka’s retirement, Rosemary applied for another service dog to help her in adulthood. Earlier this year, she was matched with Service Dog Dom, who is expertly trained in more than 45 tasks to enhance her independence.
“I have an overwhelming sense of safety when we’re together.” With a wagging tail, Dom picks up dropped items, turns on and off lights, opens and closes doors, and more. “Dom is so good at his job. When we’re home around the house, he’s always waiting to see what I need and there to help with a task. When I’m in public, I feel safe and confident with him by my side. He even intuitively puts his head on my lap when I’m getting anxious,” shares Rosemary.
Rosemary continues, “I have an overwhelming sense of safety when we’re together. He’s such a good boy.”
Sponsor Spotlight
Check back to learn about our generous DogFest sponsors.