ABOUT
In 2000, Jane Boake founded Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (COPE) near Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
Our Innovative training program takes
2 years
It Costs
$30,000
To raise and train each dog.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance to help ensure COPE Service Dogs continues to operate in support of its mission.
Jo-Anne Lane
Chair
Liz Saul
Director
Paul Roberts
Director
Megan Hiltz
Director
Charles Jung
Director
Devon Mayor
Director
Jennifer Hiltz-Kane
Director
Trevor Roberts
Executive Director
Our Team
Trevor Roberts
Executive Director
General Inquiries
Vision
To be recognized across Canada for excellence in the provision of our student-centered service dog education program.
Mission
To provide a remarkable education program that engages communities and empowers students and others in the training of service dogs that will transform the lives of people with disabilities.
Values
To provide highly skilled service dog partners to people with disabilities and to enhance the lives of youth experiencing challenges by involving them in the training process of the dogs.
About
COPE Service Dogs is a Canadian charitable organization that trains and places highly skilled Service Dogs to assist people living with physical disabilities. Our dogs help individuals gain greater independence, confidence, and freedom in their daily lives — performing practical tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, assisting with mobility, and bringing renewed connection and opportunity to the people they support.
One of the things that makes COPE unique is our Canines in the Classroom program, where high school students help train service dogs while earning academic credits. Learn more →
COPE Service Dogs also make a meaningful difference through community and facility partnerships. Through programs like Reading Buddy, dogs help children build confidence and reduce anxiety while practicing their reading skills. COPE Facility Dogs also work alongside professionals in settings such as hospices, hospitals, and Child & Youth Advocacy Centres, providing comfort and emotional support to individuals and families during difficult moments.
Based in Barrie, Ontario, COPE Service Dogs relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, foster families, educators, staff, and community partners who all play a role in helping our dogs succeed.
Since 2000, COPE has been creating life-changing partnerships between people and dogs – supporting independence, strengthening communities, and unleashing potential every step of the way.
COPE does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, level of literacy, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in our programming, services, and staffing and volunteer needs. A policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination is fundamental to our nonprofit mission.