OAKVILLE, Ontario – The demand for Facility Support Dogs from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has surged dramatically as more agencies recognize their critical role in trauma-informed care. These highly trained dogs are now supporting vulnerable Canadians in courtrooms, crisis centres, hospitals, and police services across the country. This week, the organization celebrates the graduation of its 40th Facility Support Dog and has opened a waiting list for interested organizations to apply.
A Growing Program
The Facility Support Dog program has become one of the fastest-growing initiatives at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Unlike traditional assistance dogs that support a single individual, Facility Support Dogs are trained to assist many people in high-stress environments. They remain calm and responsive while adapting to each person's unique needs.
"It takes a very special dog to succeed as a Facility Support Dog," said Courtney Starr, Head Instructor of the Facility Support Program. "Working alongside professionals in courtrooms, police services, hospitals, and counselling centres, these dogs help children, youth, and vulnerable adults find the courage to provide statements, give testimony, and begin to process trauma. They bring calm to the most overwhelming moments."
Specialized Training
Facility Support Dogs are trained in specialized skills, including providing deep pressure for emotional regulation, offering comfort during court testimony, and performing simple gestures like waving or giving a hug. These actions can bring moments of relief and connection, especially for children. The dogs are placed at no cost with accredited agencies across Canada.
Kiara Warkentin, Vice President of Impact & Program Strategy at the Saffron Centre in Sherwood Park, Alberta, has worked with Yukon, a Facility Support Dog, since 2022. "One of the most impactful things I have witnessed from Yukon is her ability to de-escalate anxiety and provide reassurance," she said. "I have watched people stop shaking as they pet her, gather the courage to enter a courtroom knowing she will be beside them, and open up to professionals by speaking to her. She provides a sense of safety and brings lightness to heavy work."
Intensive Preparation
Preparing a Facility Support Dog for its role is a lengthy and time-intensive process. Puppies are purpose-bred at Dog Guides' breeding centre in southern Ontario. At eight weeks, they are sent to foster families for early basic command training. Around age one, the dogs return to the training school in Oakville, Ontario, for six months of one-on-one instruction. The cost to train each dog is approximately $35,000, and since all Dog Guides are provided free of charge, public support is essential.
How to Help
Canadians are encouraged to support Dog Guides' life-changing programs by participating in or donating to the organization's largest annual fundraiser, the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides. Sponsored by Pet Valu, the walk will take place in hundreds of communities across Canada on May 31, 2026. This year's fundraising goal is $1.6 million. To participate or donate, visit www.walkfordogguides.com.
About Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a national charity that provides Dog Guides in seven programs: Canine Vision, Hearing, Seizure Response, Diabetes Alert, Autism Assistance, Service, and Facility Support. The organization is accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
For more information, contact Maria Galindo at mgalindo@dogguides.com or 289-241-5252.
