Walter Hart

About Our Founder:

Background

Walter James Hart, Jr. is the founder and president of Canine Companions, Ltd. Walter is an entrepreneur and owner of Hart’s Dog Training, Inc. since 1987. Walter founded the nonprofit
501(c)(3) organization to apply his many skills and talents to meet needs of the community through canine support with integrity and compassion. As a professional canine trainer Walter not only loves animals, but also loves giving them a purpose to meet specialized needs within the community. Walter has focused on the elderly, the disabled and the veteran community. Inspired by his grandfather, a stroke victim, he founded Canine Companions, Ltd. The intention of this program is to train canines to be companion assistants, protectors, and service dogs to elderly, paraplegic, trauma victims, sight-impaired, hearing-impaired and other special needs humans who may not be able to afford these exclusive animals otherwise. Canine Companions, Ltd. is presently creating lasting change for communities in four states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan and California.

Walter was born in Gastonia, North Carolina and grew up in Detroit. He is a graduate of northwest Detroit’s school, Henry Ford High School, and later attended Southern University and Central Michigan University. Walter thrives on challenges and has overcome many adversities in his life. He finds passion and purpose in giving dogs and people a second chance. He brings with him a sense of community, and a desire to make an impact as a public servant.
Walter has been endorsed by a wide range of organizations throughout the course of his career servicing community members in need. These organizations include: the Phoenix and Los Angeles Dream Centers, Agape International Spiritual Center, Pinal County Animal Care and Control, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.