Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities, other than blindness, by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. CCI is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs. It is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The result is a life full of increased independence and loving companionship.

CCI trains 4 types of assistance dogs (Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Hearing Dogs and Facility Dogs) to master over 40 specialized commands at 5 campuses across the United States. After completing training, the dogs are teamed with a graduate during an intensive two week training period. All CCI dogs and services are provided free of charge. For more information call CCI at 1-800-572-BARK (2275).