Canine Companions for Independence FAQs

What does your organization do?

Canine Companions provides highly trained assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities, free of charge.

What is the process?

The application process takes 3-6 months. If accepted, you will go on the waiting list. You will be contacted to schedule a 2-week training.

Are there costs involved?

For team training, Canine Companions provides everything except transportation to/from the training center, breakfasts, and dinners. Lunch is provided by volunteers most days (not weekends).

What is the cost to the organization?

Canine Companions estimates that our cost is about $10,000 for the organization per student for their two weeks of training, this is paid through donations from businesses, individuals, and foundations.

What happens after the training is completed?

After graduation, follow up support from our training department is provided free of charge. However, the regular expenses of having a dog would be a cost to consider (dog food, vet bills, flea and heartworm treatment, toys, etc.)

Where are you located?

Canine Companions has 5 regional centers located throughout the United States: Santa Rosa, CA; Oceanside, CA; Delaware, OH; Medford, NY; and Orlando, FL.

Can we view the campus?

Tours are available during the week at our Jean & Charles Schulz campus in Santa Rosa, CA. They can learn more by visiting cci.org/nwtours.

Where can we get more information?

Please go to www.cci.org or call 1-866-CCI-DOGS (224-3647) or write to PO Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402—0446.