90%
of donations go directly to funding programs
Restoring Independence Through Animal Assisted Services
Our mission is to provide top quality service dogs to help military veterans and First Responders live full and meaningful lives if they have been impacted by physical, sensory and/or psychological injuries from their service.
We are a dedicated group of volunteers that run this program, which is why every dollar donated goes directly to funding the programs for participants that have helped them regain their independence.
Veterans
Military personnel support
90% Volunteer
Run organization
First Responders
Police, fire, EMS support
CAC Accredited
Certified program
The Life-Changing Impact of Service Dogs
All Courageous Companions Inc (CCI) service dogs are trained and evaluated to meet established standards, ensuring each dog performs reliable, task-specific work that directly supports the individual’s disability.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support
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Service dogs trained for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) provide task-based interventions that assist individuals experiencing operational stress injuries, trauma-related conditions, or similar disabilities.
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These dogs are trained to recognize behavioural and physiological indicators of distress, such as agitation, hypervigilance, or dissociation. Upon recognition, the dog performs trained tasks, including:
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Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) to reduce physiological arousal
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Interrupting panic responses, flashbacks, or escalating behaviours
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Creating space in public environments to reduce perceived threats
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Guiding the handler to a predetermined safe location
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These tasks are specifically trained, measurable, and directly mitigate the handler’s disability, supporting safer and more consistent daily functioning
Physical Assistance
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Service dogs trained for physical assistance provide functional mobility and task support to individuals with physical disabilities, injuries, or medical conditions affecting movement and coordination.
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Tasks performed may include:
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Retrieval of dropped or required items
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Opening, closing, or operating doors and accessible features
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Providing stability and counterbalance while walking
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Assisting with positional transitions (e.g., sit-to-stand support)
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Carrying essential items or activating accessibility controls
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All tasks are trained to a defined standard to ensure reliability, safety, and effectiveness in both controlled and public environments. These supports reduce physical strain, increase independence, and improve overall safety.
Sensory Support
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Service dogs trained for sensory support assist individuals with hearing, visual, or neurological processing disabilities by providing reliable environmental awareness.
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In practical terms, the dog is trained to act as an alert and guidance system, helping the handler safely interpret their surroundings.
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Tasks may include:
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Alerting to critical sounds such as alarms, doorbells, phones, or verbal cues
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Guiding around obstacles or through complex environments
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Providing orientation support in unfamiliar or high-stimulation settings
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Assisting during periods of disorientation or sensory overload
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These trained responses improve situational awareness, reduce risk, and support independent navigation in daily life.
Mental Health Service Dog Support
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Service dogs trained for mental health support provide task-specific assistance to individuals with diagnosed mental health disabilities, in accordance with applicable Canadian standards.
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These dogs are not companionship animals — they are trained to perform identifiable tasks that mitigate functional limitations.
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Tasks may include:
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Interrupting maladaptive or repetitive behaviours
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Providing grounding during dissociation or acute stress responses
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Supporting routine adherence (e.g., medication reminders)
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Guiding the handler away from overwhelming or triggering environments
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All tasks are trained, tested, and verifiable under structured evaluation protocols. The goal is to support stability, improve functional independence, and enable safe participation in public life.
Hear From Our Heroes
The stories of transformation from our program participants speak to the incredible impact of service dogs.
"Chase has been and is a constant positive in my life. I continue to tell other veterans and first responders about Courageous Companions and the wonderful organization it is. Thank you, Courageous Companions, for pairing me with K9 Chase."
Sgt Retired Ted P.
Canadian Armed Forces Veteran
Fundraising Partnerships
Join us in our mission to provide life-changing service dogs to those who served our country and communities.
Corporate Partnerships
Partner with us to make a meaningful impact in your community while enhancing your corporate social responsibility.
Event Sponsorships
Support our fundraising events and help us raise awareness about service dogs for veterans and first responders.
Ongoing Programs
Create lasting change through sustained fundraising programs that support our mission year-round.
Help Us Make a Difference
There are many ways to support our mission. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, every action helps.
