One Community. One Standard. One Canine World.
Who We Are
The Canine Impact Initiative (CII) is a nonprofit-led movement dedicated to raising the standard of canine care across the entire dog world. We bring together breeders, veterinarians, trainers, groomers, rescuers, advocates, and dog owners under one unified purpose:
to create a more humane future by preventing suffering, promoting responsible stewardship, and reducing shelter intake through education and collaboration.
CII is the umbrella that connects our major programs and events—each designed to elevate the canine ecosystem, spark cultural change, and inspire a higher standard of care for dogs everywhere.
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.
Why We Exist
Dogs rely on humans at every stage of their lives—before birth, through breeding, placement, training, veterinary care, grooming, and day-to-day ownership. But the dog world has long been divided into separate sectors that often don’t communicate, collaborate, or trust each other.
This fragmentation leads to:
preventable suffering
preventable shelter intake
preventable owner-dog mismatches
preventable behavior and health issues
The Canine Impact Initiative exists to change that.
We believe that true progress happens when every sector works together, shares knowledge, and raises the standard of care across the board.
When breeders understand shelter realities, when rescues understand ethical breeding, when veterinarians and trainers and owners collaborate—everyone wins.
And most importantly, dogs win.
Why We Exist
Dogs rely on humans at every stage of their lives—before birth, through breeding, placement, training, veterinary care, grooming, and day-to-day ownership. But the dog world has long been divided into separate sectors that often don’t communicate, collaborate, or trust each other.
This fragmentation leads to:
preventable suffering
preventable shelter intake
preventable owner-dog mismatches
preventable behavior and health issues
The Canine Impact Initiative exists to change that.
We believe that true progress happens when every sector works together, shares knowledge, and raises the standard of care across the board.
When breeders understand shelter realities, when rescues understand ethical breeding, when veterinarians and trainers and owners collaborate—everyone wins.
And most importantly, dogs win.
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.
Upcoming Events
The Canine Impact Gala & Awards (CIGA) 2026
An annual celebration where the Canine Impact Awards are presented. Featuring dinner, entertainment, silent auctions, and community recognition, the Gala unites professionals and dog lovers in celebration of the greater good.
The Canine Expo & Symposium (CES) 2027
A three-day professional gathering bringing together leaders across all fields—breeding, medicine, behavior, rescue, nutrition, grooming, advocacy, and dog ownership. CES strengthens connections, raises standards, and provides education that benefits every corner of the canine world.
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.
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.
Join Us
If you believe in a more humane future for dogs—one built on collaboration, education, and responsible care—you belong here.
Be part of the movement that’s changing the canine world for the better.