Stronger Communities. Better Care. A Better Canine World.
Creating a more humane future for dogs through collaboration, education, and responsible stewardship.
What Is the Canine Impact Initiative?
The Canine Impact Initiative (CII) is a nonprofit-led movement dedicated to raising the standard of canine care across the entire dog world. We unite breeders, veterinarians, trainers, groomers, rescuers, advocates, and dog owners around one shared goal: fewer dogs suffering, fewer dogs entering shelters, and stronger human–canine relationships.
CII focuses on long-term, systemic solutions—not band-aids. By promoting better stewardship, responsible breeding, community education, and cross-industry collaboration, we’re working to prevent problems before they start.
This is more than an initiative — it’s a community choosing to do better.
Our Mission
The Canine Impact Initiative exists to raise the standard of canine care and stewardship across the entire dog world—uniting communities to prevent suffering, reduce shelter intake, and create a more humane future for dogs everywhere.
Our Vision
A world where:
fewer dogs enter shelters
fewer dogs suffer preventable harm
breeding and ownership are guided by responsibility and transparency
canine professionals collaborate instead of standing in opposition
communities are empowered with education, support, and shared values
We envision a unified canine ecosystem that prioritizes welfare, prevention, and long-term impact.
Our Approach
Collaboration
We break down barriers between sectors to create solutions that benefit all dogs, not just the ones in front of us.
Education
We empower breeders, owners, and professionals with high-quality, evidence-based resources and programs.
Stewardship
We promote responsible, lifelong care—before, during, and after a dog enters a home.
Prevention
Our work focuses on addressing the root causes of suffering and shelter intake, not just the symptoms.
Accountability
We uplift programs, individuals, and practices that demonstrate integrity, transparency, and measurable impact.
Why This Matters
Every dog’s well-being depends on thousands of decisions made across the canine world—by breeders, owners, rescues, veterinarians, trainers, and communities. For too long, these groups have operated in silos.
The Canine Impact Initiative brings them together.
Because when the dog world works with each other instead of against each other…
- dogs suffer less
- families have better outcomes
- shelters receive fewer preventable intakes
- the entire canine ecosystem becomes stronger
This is the greater good we’re working for.
Upcoming Events:
The Canine Impact Gala & Awards (CIGA) 2026
A yearly celebration where the Canine Impact Awards are presented. This special night features dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, raffles, and an inspiring ceremony recognizing extraordinary contributors in the canine world.
The Canine Expo & Symposium (CES) 2027
A first-of-its-kind, three-day industry event uniting every corner of the dog world under one roof. Featuring expert speakers, hands-on demos, workshops, exhibitors, and collaborative problem-solving—CES is the epicenter of our movement toward higher standards.
How We Create Impact
Education
We provide tools, resources, and events that raise knowledge and expectations across every part of the canine world.
Collaboration
We bring together professionals and dog owners who have historically been divided, creating solutions that work across the entire system.
Stewardship
We promote responsible care—at every stage of a dog’s life.
Recognition
We recognize and celebrate individuals, organizations, and canines whose work exemplifies excellence and accountability, using awards to highlight best practices and set a higher standard for the canine community.
Prevention
We address the root causes of canine suffering and shelter intake before they become crises.
Our Founders
CII is powered by two nonprofit organizations dedicated to elevating canine welfare. Together, these organizations bring decades of combined expertise across breeding, rescue, advocacy, and canine welfare.
Animal Humane Advocacy
Dedicated to animal welfare reform, founder-empowered advocacy, and promoting humane standards through policy and community leadership.
Herzog’s Heroes
Focused on responsible breeding, accountability, education, and preventing dogs from entering shelters through conscientious practices.
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