Empowering Kids … Changing Lives
We believe all children, and especially those facing learning, mental, and social challenges, can become high achievers in their own unique way through care and support. Our goal is to empower kids by teaching them important life skills while receiving the therapeutic value of caring for and training a dog.
The children in our programs are selected in collaboration with teachers, counselors, and therapists.
While in our program, the students enjoy the companionship of the dog while gaining confidence and finding acceptance. Improving life skills truly makes a difference in a child’s life. It gives youth a reason to dream bigger and to find the confidence to be more than their disability or environment.
The dogs make me happy. Even when I come in not a very good mood, the dogs make me feel better. This program has changed my life. It has helped with my patience; I have to be patient to train a dog. – Nick, Dorothy Thomas Program Participant
One Dog At A Time
Our dogs are tested and evaluated before entering the program for many things, including temperament, motivation, and drive.
The dogs used in our programs have been trained, mainly by the teens, to serve in an emotional support role. Those in the reading program have learned to lie still for 30 minutes while a child reads to them in a non-judgmental role.
The dogs in the teen programs must have the temperament to work with a wide variety of teen “trainers”.
During the training cycle of one dog they can provide tail wags, gentle listening skills and unconditional love to more than 1500 people, brightening their day.
Our Funding
On January 14, 2016, Kids and Canines was granted a 501c3 non-profit status by the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). We rely on the support of individuals and businesses who are committed to giving a child an opportunity for a better life. All donations made to Kids and Canines are tax deductible under IRS Section 170. Kids and Canines is registered with the State of Florida, Department of Solicitations, CH53474.
Kids and Canines FY2026-27 annual budget is $279,00. Annually, approximately 62% of our budget goes directly to program services; another 18% supports programs indirectly. Because we bring our services to the children, we have been able to cut costs that would normally be spent on maintaining a physical property.