Canine Companions, LTD Mission
At Canine Companions, Ltd it is our mission to empower veterans with PTSD and children with autism spectrum disorder to live a life full of achievement and self-esteem. By providing veterans and children with service dogs, we will not only boost their confidence but also enable them to live a life full of achievement and self-actualization. We can also arm them with a marketable skill that will allow them to give back to their communities as dog trainers.
About Us
Founded by Walter Hart, Jr. in 2001, Canine Companions, Ltd began its journey in the state of Michigan. We are a registered 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization that has been serving veterans for 20 years. Canine Companions, Ltd mission started with a focus of providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD and working with the veterans to empower them to engage with their local communities and give back to their fellow veterans. We teach our veterans how to become dog trainers so they can train dogs that will provide invaluable emotional, mental, and physical support to their future veteran owners. Canine Companions, Ltd has accomplished this mission through working with the Los Angeles and Phoenix Dream Centers, which serve our nations veterans.
In 2021, Canine Companions, Ltd discovered another population that needs the help and empowerment that these service dogs can provide. Children with autism spectrum disorder face a special set of challenges in living daily life to their fullest potential. Canine Companions, Ltd has decided to meet this need by adding a program that will provide autistic children with service dogs trained to perform specific tasks that will enable the child to meet their full potential. Please see our Autism Program page to learn more about how a service dog can accomplish this amazing mission.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, we are an approved 501(c)(3) and can provide you with a receipt. Our IRS ID is 383591544 for your tax records.
How Effective is this for PTSD?
“I work three jobs, two of them are my own businesses, so there is plenty of stress,” Nick said. “In less than a month, she’s helped me more than the VA or any of the other groups I have gone to.”
How Effective is this for Autism?
Having a service dog that is trained properly can help a child feel safe and confident which decreases cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and reduces anxiety and improves sleep (Burrows and Adams, 2005).
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), ASD “is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges”. Having a service dog can help those who are experiencing these challenges.
Burrows, K. E., & Adams, C. L. (2005). Evaluating the benefits of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorders. Retrieved on September 16, 2021, at www.cnaf.net/documents/NationalServiceDogsStudy.pdf
“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention”, 2020; Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
Is Your Organization Endorsed by Anyone?
What Does My Donation Provide?
Are there other ways I can help?
Send a Message
Open Hours
M-F: 9am – 5pm
S-S: by appt. only
Phone & Email
staff@caninecompanionsltd.org
Where We Are
While Canine Companions, Ltd can work with individuals and families across the nation, our headquarters is currently located in Gastonia, North Carolina. We are incorporated in a total of 5 states to include Michigan, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arizona, and California. We currently have permission in all states to utilize the space of certain facilities for the purpose of training and boarding pups but have the goal to obtain the funds to purchase our own properties so that we can provide this amazing service more readily by having kennels and training facilities that are fully staffed by our nation’s veterans. Please click the “Donate Now” button or visit one of our Go Fund Me links to help contribute to this amazing goal.