Can Do Canines
| Formation | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Alan M. Peters |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Headquarters | New Hope, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Services | Assistance dog training and placement |
| Website | candocanines.org |
Can Do Canines is a nonprofit organization based in New Hope, Minnesota.[1][2] It trains and places assistance dogs with people with disabilities without any cost.[3][4]
History
Can Do Canines was founded in 1987 by Alan M. Peters.[5][6] Alan served as the executive director of the organization until his retirement in 2020.[7] He was succeeded by Jeff Johnson who serves as the current executive director.[8][9] The organization trains and places six types of assistance dogs including mobility assistance dogs, hearing dogs, seizure response dogs, diabetes alert dogs, autism assistance dogs and facility dogs.[10] These dogs are trained to assist in various day-to-day routine tasks and medical situations for the people with disabilities.[11]
Many dogs are raised by volunteer puppy raisers including prisoners before beginning formal training with professional staff.[12][13] According to the organization it costs about $45,000 to train each dog, but each is provided at no cost to clients.[14]
See also
References
- ^ Strickler, Jeff (2012-10-19). "Injured Marine is still serving". Sun Herald. pp. B12. Retrieved 2025-06-15 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Zimmerman, Thalen (2022-04-05). "Lending a Helping Paw". Brainerd Dispatch. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-06-15 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Life-changing companions: How to afford a service dog". Port Charlotte Sun. 2019-11-28. pp. L7. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Walsh, James (2025-11-27). "Trained to serve: Service dogs' roles are expanding to help more people". Retrieved 2026-02-20.
- ^ Shah, Allie (2013-09-05). "Dogs that sniff out low blood sugar in diabetics gain popularity". Santa Maria Times. p. B8. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Bredsten, Brielle (2023-06-07). "Puppy trainers partner with Duluth prison camp". Duluth News Tribune. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ Branch, Mike (2021-08-18). "Al Peters and A Career That Went To The Dogs". thinkfinance.io. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Olson, Rochelle (2020-10-31). "Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson to leave board to run Can Do Canines, a nonprofit providing service animals". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Meadows, Lisa (2025-10-31). "Can Do Canines announces partnership with "Breaking Bad" actor RJ Mitte". CBS Minnesota. Retrieved 2026-02-20.
- ^ Mortimer, Tina (2021-04-05). "Dogs to the rescue!". minnesotaparent. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ O’Brien, Christena T. (2016-03-07). "Prison training program pairs puppies and inmates". Leader-Telegram. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Group helps inmates get service dogs ready for future professions". The Journal Times. 2017-06-04. pp. A13. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Wasson, Mark (2022-09-01). "A new canine class". Post-Bulletin. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Mennecke, Rebecca (2025-08-12). "Paws-itive change: Can Do Canines empowers individuals with disabilities". Prime Therapeutics. Retrieved 2025-08-18.