The new national Dog Guide training school is just over halfway finished. We have $60 million committed toward the school, but we must raise another $20 million by the end of October in order to resume construction and continue operating.

This shortfall was caused by several factors:

• A committed piece of financing did not come through in time as expected. We had been working to negotiate financing to help us bridge our cash flow as we continued to raise funds. We had expected this funding to come in when we were 50% complete construction. However, we found out that the funding, while committed, is not coming in until the end of the project. This left us with an immediate need for cash to pay our construction company.
• In addition, as the design of the building progressed, the scope and size of the project expanded to ensure we are meeting the meet the complex needs of a fully accessible, purpose-built facility that will meet our needs well into the future.
• And lastly, the project began prior to COVID-19 and since then, economic uncertainty drove up construction and material costs.

The external fundraising campaign was for $50 million, however we knew the overall cost for the project was more. Increased construction and materials costs, and expansion of the scope and size of the project to ensure it met current and future accessibility needs, caused the cost to increase.

We must secure $20 million by the end of October.

We are working non-stop to find a solution, while at the same time preparing for all scenarios. If we cannot secure the funds by the end of October, we will have to terminate our construction contract. If we are unable to pay the fees associated with terminating the contract, we would have to shut down our training program, and with it our ability to match Dog Guides with Canadians who need them most.

Our existing training center and office in Oakville have already been sold and we are committed to vacating them by July 2026. The property in Breslau is a foundational asset in that it houses our breeding facilities and additional training space. We have had the property appraised and financially, it doesn’t make sense to sell it. In addition, Breslau provides us with a backup solution if we need to relocate temporarily.

We remain committed to continuing to provide and support Canadians living with disabilities with these life-changing dogs. However, in the worst-case scenario, we are in discussions with other accredited schools, and if needed, we will explore how they can support our current Dog Guide recipients.

Our puppies and dogs remain a top priority. We are continuing to operate the foster puppy training program as usual. No matter what, we are committed to ensuring every dog is well cared for and set up for success. We are in discussions with other accredited schools, and if needed, we will explore every option to provide dogs with the support, training, and loving homes they deserve. We will have time to negotiate a transition for dogs should we need to wind down operations.

This building represents hope for thousands of Canadians with disabilities who deserve the safety, independence, and confidence that only a Dog Guide can provide.

The new national training school is designed to increase the number of Dog Guides trained and matched by more than 65% each year – ensuring we can rise to meet the increasing demand for Dog Guides for Canadians living with physical, medical, and developmental disabilities. It will be fully accessible and purpose-built.

The shortfall is the result of several compounding factors, not a single oversight.

All decisions regarding the building project including changes to the scope, budget decisions, and project management oversight were done with full involvement and approval of the Board of Directors, with full transparency and due diligence in accordance with Board policies.

This is the first time in our history we have made an urgent appeal.

We take financial stewardship extremely seriously. Our organization has operated for more than 40 years, purely relying on support from service clubs, corporations, foundations and individuals from across the country to meet our mission.  We are accredited by ADI and IGDF, and Imagine Canada – all of which review our operational management practices. 

We have a 40-year track record of delivering life-changing Dog Guide partnerships at no cost to Canadians with disabilities. We’re being transparent about the challenges and what’s needed to solve them.

Our leadership team and Board are actively reviewing all of our programs and operations to ensure that we remain strong, sustainable, and able to deliver on our mission for years to come.

We are carefully evaluating current programs, identifying opportunities to strengthen and adapt, and ensuring every decision supports our long-term viability.

Most importantly, our commitment to the people we serve—and to the values that define us—remains unwavering. When we get through this current challenge, we will be in a stronger position to deliver our programs long into the future.

Pledges continue to be an option, and we’re grateful for every commitment. At the same time, because of the current situation and the urgent need to resume construction, immediate assistance is especially critical right now. Gifts that can be realized sooner will help us get building again and protect the future of our programs.

Yes, we are having productive conversations about a path forward with numerous partners including provincial and federal governments. These discussions are encouraging and reinforce the importance of our mission.

We must secure $20 million by the end of October to get this project back on track. We’re asking everyone — government, donors, corporate partners, Lions Clubs, and the public — to join us.

• Share our campaign with your friends, family and networks: www.dogguides.com
• Make a donation if you are able: https://www.dogguides.com
• Host an event or starts a peer-to-peer fundraiser: https://events.dogguides.com/event/difference/home
• Post and re-share our updates on social media
• Tell your story about the positive impact your Dog Guide has had on your life, and tag @lfcdogguides

Every contribution, large or small, will bring us closer to opening the doors of this world-class facility, safeguarding our programs, and giving Canadians living with disabilities greater independence, safety, and support.

We can do this together.

For information and to donate: www.dogguides.com