In addition to naming a puppy, you will receive: 

• A framed photograph of your named puppy in their training cape.
• A plushie version of the puppy.
• Acknowledgement in our online annual report.
• Periodic updates (2 per year or for major training milestones) so you can track the puppy through their training.
• An invitation to the puppy's graduation if they complete our program.*
• An opportunity to tour our facility or to have an assistance dog demonstration for your school, business, or group.
• Pride in giving back to your community – have the great feeling of helping train a special dog to assist a person in need.

Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Naming Protocols

• You will be asked to submit 3-5 name suggestions once we receive your donation. 
• We ask that you avoid suggesting common human names.
• 1-2 syllable names are best for our puppies.
• Our litters are all named alphabetically, so your suggestions will likely need to start with an assigned letter. 
• You may be asked to submit names that fit either a female or a male puppy. Gender-neutral names are most appreciated!
• Naming conventions can differ depending on available puppies. There may be a wait for a puppy that needs a name.
• Our Director of Training makes final decisions on every puppy’s name to avoid duplication and to ensure names are a good fit for our program and litter themes.

Where do our dogs come from?

*Please note: There is no guarantee that your named puppy will graduate as a Can Do Canines assistance dog. Dogs may be selected to be part of our elite breeding stock or "career changed" to alternate careers for health or temperament reasons. Only one Can Do Canines puppy will be named per Name-a-Puppy submission regardless of the outcome.

Have questions about the program or want to get started naming a puppy?

Please contact Erin-Grace Mauren, Development Associate: egmauren@candocanines.org.