Can Do Canines

Wikipedia

Can Do Canines
Formation1987
FounderAlan M. Peters
TypeNonprofit
HeadquartersNew Hope, Minnesota, U.S.
ServicesAssistance dog training and placement
Websitecandocanines.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]

History

Can Do Canines was founded in 1987 by Alan M. Peters.[4][5] Alan served as the executive director of the organization until his retirement in 2020.[6] He was succeeded by Jeff Johnson who serves as the current executive director.[7] 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.[8] These dogs are trained to assist in various day-to-day routine tasks and medical situations for the people with disabilities.[9]

Many dogs are raised by volunteer puppy raisers including prisoners before beginning formal training with professional staff.[10][11] According to the organization it costs about $45,000 to train each dog, but each is provided at no cost to clients.[12]

References

  1. Strickler, Jeff (2012-10-19). "Injured Marine is still serving". Sun Herald. pp. B12. Retrieved 2025-06-15 via Newspapers.com.
  2. Zimmerman, Thalen (2022-04-05). "Lending a Helping Paw". Brainerd Dispatch. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-06-15 via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Life-changing companions: How to afford a service dog". Port Charlotte Sun. 2019-11-28. pp. L7. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  4. 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.
  5. Bredsten, Brielle (2023-06-07). "Puppy trainers partner with Duluth prison camp". Duluth News Tribune. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
  6. Branch, Mike (2021-08-18). "Al Peters and A Career That Went To The Dogs". thinkfinance.io. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
  7. 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.
  8. Mortimer, Tina (2021-04-05). "Dogs to the rescue!". minnesotaparent. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
  9. O’Brien, Christena T. (2016-03-07). "Prison training program pairs puppies and inmates". Leader-Telegram. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
  10. "Group helps inmates get service dogs ready for future professions". The Journal Times. 2017-06-04. pp. A13. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  11. Wasson, Mark (2022-09-01). "A new canine class". Post-Bulletin. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  12. Mennecke, Rebecca (2025-08-12). "Paws-itive change: Can Do Canines empowers individuals with disabilities". Prime Therapeutics. Retrieved 2025-08-18.

Official website