Can Do Canines

What it reported doing in 2025

1. Assistance dog training servicesa. During 2025 we received 355 application requests for assistance dogs from people with disabilities. These individuals are attempting to live their lives independently. Due to the lack of funding for training assistance dogs, some of these individuals apply to more than one program, or some struggle to pay significant fees to other organizations in order to get an assistance dog sooner.b. Each application we receive for an assistance dog is reviewed for complete content, and then all potential clients are interviewed. During this interview, the potential client learns all that is involved with obtaining and working with their new partner and how much their life may change, both in the workplace and in their home environment. This interview provides can do canines with information on their environment, strengths, weaknesses, range of motion, lifestyle, and expectations of the potential client.c. Once an applicant is accepted, trainers look for a dog that matches the client's lifestyle and personality in addition to meeting the needs of their new partner. Each dog is trained to accomplish the tasks needed for their particular client. Client services coordinators or contracted field representatives work with clients and their dogs for another six months in their home, work, and/or school environment. Clients learn to provide for the dog's care and well-being, as well as techniques, skills, and commands to use with their dog. The client will also learn techniques to expand the range of tasks if their disability changes. A certification evaluation will be completed when their training is completed. A video recording is made of the client/dog team working in their normal daily life. This material is reviewed for approval. Upon approval, the team receives their identification card and proceeds to the graduation event.d. During 2025 we had 58 dogs come in for training. We completed 151 new interviews with potential clients. We provided new placements, ongoing training support education, recertifications and supplemental training services to over 376 active clients during 2025.e. We obtained 54 dogs from our own breeding program, 6 dogs from private breeders and other sources, and 5 dogs from ibc breeding cooperative. F. Some of our canine trainees are not successful in their assistance dog training but can go on to serve in other ways. Whenever possible, we create opportunities for them to serve as working dogs with other agencies. Others become personal pets. During 2025, 46 dogs that entered our program were "career-changed."g. Can do canines maintained memos of understanding (mou) or contracts with eight (8) prison facilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin that agreed to support the goals of can do canines to prepare dogs to enter assistance dog training. Can do canines agreed to provide regular professional instruction in dog training, as well as veterinary support and food for the dogs. The program involved 253 inmates who provided training for 105 dogs (54 of which were weaned in prison). These programs are a permanent part of the can do canines training process. This program has produced tangible positive results for all participants: prison inmates, prison employees and administration, the can do canines training program, and can do canines clients. Additionally, the community at large may benefit, as national research indicates that the recidivism rate for inmates participating in similar programs has been 50% lower than for those who have not had this opportunity.this program has produced tangible positive results for all participants; prison inmates, prison employees and administration, can do canines training program, and can do canines clients. Additionally, the community at large may benefit as national research indicates that the recidivism rate for inmates participating in similar programs has been 50% less than those who have not had this opportunity.annual follow-up surveys are sent t

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 43.1%; rating input score 43
• Program expense ratio: 82.7%; rating input score 83
• Fundraising efficiency: $14.48 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 49; 49th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 49%; rating input score 90; 90th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.49; rating input score 65; 65th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.03; rating input score 68; 68th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 10.4%; rating input score 32; 32nd percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 9.8% per year; rating input score 100; 60th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 10.1% per year; rating input score 100; 67th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 4.8% per year; rating input score 100; 32nd percentile among comparable filings