DogFest Orlando 2021 Supporting Canine Companions for Independence

Gather your friends, family and dogs for a day of in-person or virtual 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 us live at 11 a.m. for our program, on Saturday, April 17 at DogFest Orlando: https://youtu.be/9NprDYbT7p8
Our top priority is to keep everyone safe and we are happy to provide a live stream of the DogFest Orlando program starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 17. You may experience some slow speeds, or the public internet connection may become unreliable. To keep the spirit of the event "alive," we may stop the live stream and upload a recorded video of the festivities by Monday. Thank you for your understanding.
DogFest Orlando supports the mission of Canine Companions to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge.
Join the fun at DogFest Orlando or participate virtually as we celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives. Registration is free. Fundraising is encouraged. 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!
There are sponsorship, volunteer, and vendor opportunities too!
Don’t miss out on DogFest. Register, celebrate dogs and make an impact! Check back for more event day activities and contests!
We are aware that several state and local government agencies are lifting mask requirements. However a properly-worn mask will remain a requirement for attendance at all Canine Companions events, even though local guidelines may differ. Let's help keep each other healthy!
We will continue to follow enhanced health and safety measures-for DogFest participants, staff, volunteers and vendors. Please know that we will monitor CDC and local health guidelines related to COVID-19 and will make updates based on guidance from health authorities. We reserve the right to deny entry into a DogFest event to anyone not wearing a mask. Thank you.
We hope to see you on April 17, 2021. Continue to check back for more updates and visit our Health & Safety Protocols page.
DogFest is Canine Companions' national signature event, supporting 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. Your participation makes a profound impact.
Our dogs love us endlessly, and the human-canine bond is powerful! Whether as service dogs, working dogs or pet dogs, there are countless tales of our best friends doing amazing things. We invite you to join the fun at your local DogFest or participate virtually as we gather to celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives. Registration is free. Fundraising is encouraged.
There are sponsorship [LINK], volunteer [LINK] and vendor [LINK] opportunities, too!
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 6,600 assistance 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 Central Florida
Joe had to figure out how to navigate an entirely new world after a driver ran a red light and left him a quadriplegic. Simple tasks became mountainous obstacles. Now with Helios, his Canine Companions assistance dog, Joe has the help he needs to work from home and remain independent. Helios reminds Joe to take breaks while working long hours, opens the refrigerator door, and picks up dropped items like his stylus or wallet.
Joe says, “I’m a different person when I have Helios with me in public… he adds a lot when you’ve had so much taken away from you”.