Dogtopia Foundation Commemorates National Service Dog Month, Surpassing $5.6 Million Raised to Help Support More Than 820 Veteran-Service Dog Teams

Nation's leading dog wellness franchise fuels the Foundation's mission through nationwide network fundraising

PHOENIX, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This National Service Dog Month, Dogtopia, the nation's leading dog wellness franchise, and the Dogtopia Foundation are celebrating the impact of their community's generosity. Established in 2017, the nonprofit is focused on funding service dogs for veterans, recruiting therapy dogs for students, and supporting employment opportunities for adults with autism.

This September, Dogtopia franchisees across the country put extra effort into fundraising, marking the observance with a wave of local giving campaigns. The Foundation's reach has expanded on a shared belief that dogs can positively change the world.

Community-Powered Impact

Since 2017, the Foundation has:

• Mobilized Dogtopia daycare owners, team members and pet parents nationwide through year-round fundraising and community engagement.
• Raised more than $5.6 million to help provide service dogs for veterans, supporting more than 820 veteran and service dog teams nationwide.
• Invested more than $270,000 in University of Arizona research led by Dr. Maggie O'Haire, examining how service dogs help veterans with PTSD.
• Supported the Dog Aging Project's efforts to recruit more participating dog owners and funded groundbreaking canine cognition research led by Dr. Evan MacLean at the Arizona Canine Cognition Center.
• Partnered with organizations including the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats to support employment opportunities for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
• Collaborated with Pet Partners to raise awareness of the need for more therapy animal teams and encourage dog owners to consider this rewarding volunteer role.

"At Dogtopia, we believe dogs change lives, and this National Service Dog Month is proof of what's possible when our entire network rallies behind that belief," said Neil Gill, CEO and President of Dogtopia. "I'm proud of the franchisees, team members and parents across our network who consistently rally behind the Dogtopia Foundation and demonstrate their commitment to service dogs and our veterans year-round." 

Why National Service Dog Month Matters to Dogtopia

National Service Dog Month, observed every September, raises awareness of the training, cost and life-changing impact of service dogs for people living with disabilities — including veterans with PTSD, individuals with mobility or sensory impairments, and people on the autism spectrum.

"Every fundraiser and every donation this September helps bring more veterans the life-changing support of a service dog," said Liz Meyers, Executive Director of the Dogtopia Foundation. "We're grateful for the incredible energy our Dogtopia daycares and parents bring to this mission, especially during National Service Dog Month."

To support the Dogtopia Foundation's mission, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org. To learn more about Dogtopia or find a daycare near you, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About Dogtopia
Founded in 2002, Dogtopia is an early pioneer and innovator in the dog daycare industry, offering an experience focused on wellness, quality of care, safety, and transparency in the market. The ultimate destination for improving the physical and mental wellbeing of dogs and pet parents, Dogtopia helps our furry friends live long, healthy, and happy lives with services that holistically address canine wellness. Pet parents have the assurance of leaving their beloved furry family members in the hands of trained professionals in an environment created with the safety of dogs in mind, including spacious playrooms assigned by size and play style, comfortable rubber flooring to reduce the impact on joints and paws, and webcams for pet parents to check in on their pups. For more information, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About the Dogtopia Foundation
The Dogtopia Foundation enables dogs to positively change our world by supporting programs focused on service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students, and employment initiatives for adults with autism. The Foundation's aim is to identify needs, fill gaps, and integrate knowledge for continuous improvement in the three areas of focus. By connecting dogs with organizations the Foundation supports, the Foundation is helping returning veterans, students, and adults with autism reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org.

Media Contact:
Ashlyn Pinkowski | Account Supervisor
Fishman Public Relations
[email protected] 

SOURCE Dogtopia