LIONS PROJECT FOR CANINE COMPANIONS

Over 40 Years. 34 States. More than 2000 Lions Clubs. Contributed over $5.1 million to Canine Companions.

Supporting Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People.

GET INVOLVED

Join Our Mission

Join our mission! As a member club, your support will expand our reach and impact, ensuring more exceptional dogs meet exceptional people. Be part of something powerful—make a lasting difference.

A yellow Labrador Retriever wearing a yellow vest with a blue leash, lying on a green carpet. Behind the dog is a poster with a picture of another dog wearing a similar vest and a logo for Lions Clubs International's Canine Companions program.

Become a Sponsor

From covering early vaccinations to funding professional training and ongoing follow-up, your support makes each step possible. Choose a sponsorship level that fits your passion. Become a sponsor today.

Raise a Puppy

Becoming a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions is a life-changing way to give back. Puppy raisers provide love, structure, and socialization to puppies who are destined to become service dogs. Start your journey as a puppy raiser today.

Four people and a black Labrador dog posing for a photo at the Downtown Long Beach Lions Club event. One person is squatting with the dog, while the others stand beside a Lions Club banner. The setting appears to be indoors with rustic decor.

Bring Us to Your Next Meeting

Want to learn more about Lions Project for Canine Companions and how your Lions Club can make a difference?

A Lions Project Trustee will share their personal experience and provide information on how your club can get involved in supporting this life-changing mission.

Lions Mascot kneeling beside a black Labrador service dog.

OUR IMPACT

OVER $5 MILLION CONTRIBUTED

Since 1983, Lions Project for Canine Companion has raised more than $5 million to help provide expertly trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities, free of charge.

🔸Contributed to over $400,000 to name Lions Dens, Rooms, and a Wellness Center Fountain

🔸The Lions Project Foundation distributes $20,000 annually to fund the Canine Companions Regional Centers’ wish list gifts

🔸More than 2,000 Lions Clubs are supporting Canine Companions through the Lions Project Foundation

LIVING OUR MISSION

  • Lion Jeri & Breeder Beatrix

    Canine Companions Breeder Caretaker

    Lion Jeri (Pride of Laguna Creek Lions) has been a Breeder Caretaker since 2021 and a Puppy Raiser for longer!

    Breeder Caretakers are responsible for helping our mama pups through the whelping process, ensuring the puppies are thriving, and tracking their weights. She also exposes the new puppies to different textures, handling, and the initial stages of potty training until they move onto their puppy raisers at 8 weeks old. In addition to whelping litters, Jeri has also raised 5 puppies for Canine Companions!

    “As a Lion, I see this as another way I can serve my community. Every puppy I whelp will grow up the help someone in a meaningful way- their puppy raiser, their training staff, and eventually, their graduate. I’m very grateful my Club supports the mission of Canine Companions and me in this adventure!”

  • Puppy Raising

    Lion Ashley & Future Service Dog Sly II

    Canine Companions Puppy Raiser

    Lion Ashley (Columbus Southeast Lions) started puppy raising for Canine Companions in 2024 with Sly II, who turned in for professional training in May 2025.

    In her role as Puppy Raiser, Ashley is responsible for all aspects of the puppy’s life from 8 weeks old until about 18 months old, including housebreaking, crate training, basic obedience training, and socialization. She ensured Sly experienced as much as possible in his time with her, such as sporting events, live theater, grocery shopping, and Lions Project presentations to Lions Clubs throughout Ohio! This helped to prepare him for life as a service dog with public access.

    “Being a puppy raiser can be difficult, exhausting, and heartbreaking, but it’s been the most fulfilling experience of my life, and I’ve already signed up to do it again!”

  • Lion Tom & Service Dog Tracker V

    Canine Companions Graduate Team

    Lion Tom (Greater Arlington Texas Lions Club) has been matched with Service Dog Tracker due to his heart disability and volunteers with Lions Project in his spare time.

    Tracker helps Tom by turning on light switches, picking up dropped items, and bringing him items he needs, such as medication.

    “Tracker has made my life rich, full, and purposeful. He is also a tremendous ambassador for the organization and helps with fundraising efforts for Lions Project with club presentations throughout Texas.”

EXPLORE MORE

OUR MISSION

Lions proudly support Canine Companions in their mission to provide expertly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities. Through Lions Project for Canine Companions, Lions across the country have raised awareness, funds, and hope for individuals in need of life-changing partnerships.

CANINE COMPANIONS

Canine Companions has been a national leader in the service dog industry, providing expertly trained assistance dogs—free of charge—to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities. Canine Companions have placed more than 8,000 graduate teams since their founding.

SERVICE DOGS

Canine Companions Service Dogs are expertly trained Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Lab/Golden crosses for adults, children, and veterans with disabilities, as well as Facility Dogs for professionals in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings.