DogFest Space Coast 2021 Supporting Canine Companions
DogFest Space Coast 2021

About DogFest Space Coast 2021

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.

DogFest Space Coast supports the mission of Canine Companions to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs free of charge. These dogs make a profound impact through the jobs they do like opening doors, picking up dropped items, alerting to sounds and much more. Your support makes a difference.

Join the fun at DogFest Space Coast as we celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives. Registration is free.  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 sponsorshipvolunteer and vendor opportunities too!

Don’t miss out on DogFest. Join the fun! Check back for more event day activities and contests!


Mask or face shield required to attend the event. We will monitor CDC and local health guidelines related to COVID-19. We hope to see you on September 25, 2021.  




Date

Starts at:  September 25, 2021 9:00 AM
Ends at:  September 25, 2021 12:00 PM

Location

The Avenue Viera
2261 Town Center Avenue
Melbourne,FL 32940 USA

Contact

Yuclemia Ware
(407) 522-3308

Gather your friends, family and dogs for a day of fun!

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!

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 6,800 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 Space Coast

  • ​11 active graduates 
  • 4 active puppy raisers 

Story of Independence

Lauren Flores was matched with her Successor Facility Dog Aloha in 2020. Since some of her pediatric clients remained at home due to the pandemic, she started looking for different ways to utilize Aloha’s skills.  Lauren sends weekly videos to the clients of 7 Senses Therapy (located in Viera) and encourages the children to play along with Aloha while working on therapy goals. Aloha has even learned some new commands – she says “hi” (waves her paw) as well as “balloon” where she pushes a balloon high into the air with her nose and mouth.




Sponsor Spotlight

The Avenue Viera is proud to be a Big Dog sponsor of DogFest Space Coast, generously donating their unique venue space. The Avenue Viera offers a dynamic mix of premier national retailers, select local merchants and specialty restaurants reflective of the local demand and fashion trends, welcoming over 4 million guests annually. They are excited to continue to bring DogFest Space Coast to their community and support the Canine Companions mission. 

Want to see your company spotlighted? Click here for more information about becoming a sponsor!



Meet our Face of DogFest 2020 Winner! Ivy

Ivy is a 2-year-old English Setter. Ivy's handler Sarah says that, "since we are a volunteer puppy raising family, she has grown up alongside future service dogs. Ivy has had the opportunity to be housemates with four future service dogs in her short life. She helps them, and they help her." Besides playing and learning with her future service dog friends, Ivy enjoys watching birds in her backyard and going for walks and car rides.

Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors & Partners