Bergin College of Canine Studies

Our Mission

To advance the human-canine partnership through research and education by offering quality instruction in human and canine studies to post-secondary students worldwide interested in furthering their knowledge of themselves and the role of the dog in human society; through the College's up-to-date, in-depth academic coursework, to provide students an opportunity to expand their knowledge for scholarly or career purposes or enhance their knowledge of their own specialties through the unique viewpoint provided by human-canine studies.

Opened in 1991 by Dr. Bonnie Bergin, the originator of the service dog concept, Bergin College of Canine Studies (formerly known as Bergin University of Canine Studies) is accredited through both ACCSC and ACICS to provide Associate, Bachelor and Masters degrees in canine studies while also accredited through Assistance Dogs International to place high-quality assistance dogs trained through only positive methods. As the world becomes more aware and accepting of the benefits of the human-canine partnership, we continue to adapt and grow our educational and community programming. Since the founding its founding, over 460 students have earned their degrees or participated in our summer seminar certificate program, and have placed over 220 assistance dogs with people with mobility challenges and veterans with combat-related injuries. In keeping with Dr. Bergin’s original mission, we provide assistance dogs to people with physical disabilities at a low cost and to disabled veterans free of charge.