Hawaii Canines for Independence Logo

Community Outreach Programs

Hawaii Canines for Independence

Hawaii Canines for Independence reaches hundreds of people in the community each week through a variety of programs designed to benefit, support and enhance the lives of people with physical and developmental disabilities in our community.

Campus Outreach Programs

  • Hawaii Canines for Independence hosts weekly visits from schools, hospitals and organizations that bring groups of children and adults with differing disabilities to Sadie's Place for a time of fun, education and interaction with the Hawaii Canines for Independence puppies in training.
  • Group size is limited to 25 people including all participants, staff and guests.
  • Programs are tailored to each individual's and group's educational, occupational, physical and speech goals. Hawaii Canines for Independence utilizes our dogs in training and animal assisted therapy to help each group achieve these goals through fun interactive activities.
  • Signed liability waivers, media authorization and emergency medical treatment forms are required of all program participants including staff and guests.

Educational Presentations and Programs

Hawaii Canines for Independence is dedicated to educating the public about Assistance Dogs.

  • Hawaii Canines for Independence visits local schools as well as businesses and civic organizations with a combination of trainers, graduates, volunteers and dogs in training.
  • Hawaii Canines for Independence provides informative educational presentations about the different types of Assistance Dogs, ADI Standards for working teams, and our training program. Presentations usually last between 30 and 60 minutes.
  • Demonstrations will be given as to how these special dogs can assist people with different abilities.
  • Individuals are given a chance to interact with the dogs at the end of the presentation.

Therapy Team Program

Hawaii Canines for Independence Therapy Dog Teams visit residents and patients at local area nursing homes, hospitals and rehab facilities on a weekly basis. These special teams bring joy and unconditional love to the people they visit as well as enhancing their physical and emotional well being.

Workplace Readiness Program

Local high school students with special needs volunteer for three months at the Hawaii Canines for Independence Facility where they receive valuable training and experience that will help them obtain gainful employment upon graduating from high school.