User:MichaelStokesVA/sandbox
| Abbreviation | CCC |
|---|---|
| Formation | March 8, 2023 |
| Founder | Michael Stokes |
| Type | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| 92-3451311 | |
| Registration no. | Virginia State Corporation Commission |
| Focus | Animal-assisted therapy, community education, therapy-dog programs |
| Location |
|
Area served | Northern Virginia |
Key people | Michael Stokes (President) |
| Website | canineconciergecorp.org |
Canine Concierge Corporation (occasionally abbreviated CCC) is a nonprofit organization based in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States. Incorporated on March 8, 2023 (EIN: 92-3451311), the corporation is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization under the Internal Revenue Code. Its mission is to advance the field of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) by supporting therapy-dog programs, public education, and community initiatives that promote mental health, wellness, and social connection through canine companionship.[1]
History
[edit]Canine Concierge Corporation was founded in 2023 by Michael Stokes, a Virginia-based advocate for animal-assisted interventions. Stokes created CCC to address the growing demand for therapy dogs in schools, hospitals, veteran services, and community outreach programs. The organization originated from Stokes’ encounter with a therapy dog during his four-month hospitalization, which inspired him to formalize an entity focused on the emotional and therapeutic impact of dogs in human recovery.[2]
The corporation received IRS tax-exempt status as a public charity on June 5, 2024, and began outreach to local governments, schools, and health providers in Northern Virginia. CCC was awarded its SAM.gov registration on April 17, 2025 (UEI: S3KCFZM2N6N7). Early initiatives included the development of an educational series on therapy versus service dogs and the launch of a monthly newsletter, the DaVinci Digest, covering national and regional updates on animal-assisted therapy.
Programs and initiatives
[edit]Paws for Purpose NOVA
[edit]The nonprofit’s inaugural fundraiser is Paws for Purpose NOVA, a community dog walk and family event planned in partnership with Parks and Recreation in Alexandria, Virginia. Structured similarly to a 5K fundraiser, the event is designed to raise awareness and funding for therapy-dog initiatives. Proceeds are allocated toward training, housing, care, and the purchase of therapy dogs, as well as operational support for the nonprofit.[3]
Planned activities include sponsor booths, vendor participation, educational presentations, and contests. CCC has sought to highlight the role of AAT in mental health care and community wellness.
DaVinci Digest
[edit]Launched in 2023, the DaVinci Digest is CCC’s monthly digital newsletter distributed via email and social media. It features educational resources, summaries of therapy-dog research, nonprofit updates, and legal/advocacy information under the ongoing Know Your Rights series. Circulation has expanded across Northern Virginia, with subscribers also reached through local Facebook community groups and targeted outreach campaigns.[4]
Education and advocacy
[edit]CCC maintains a focus on clarifying distinctions between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals (ESAs). Through public online resources and social media, the nonprofit provides information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), state and local policies, and best practices for therapy-dog handlers.
Organization and governance
[edit]Canine Concierge Corporation is registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and licensed in Fairfax County. It is governed by founder Michael Stokes, serving as president. The organization participates in regional nonprofit networks, including outreach through the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and local community service collaborations.[5]
Funding
[edit]As a 501(c)(3), CCC relies on donations, sponsorships, and grants. In 2024, the nonprofit was awarded a Google Ad Grants account valued at US $10,000 per month in advertising credit to support its digital outreach. CCC has also sought sponsorship from national brands, including Purina, and pursued grant opportunities with federal and Virginia state agencies.
Future plans
[edit]The organization has announced plans to acquire and train two golden retrievers as therapy dogs, with the ultimate goal of integrating animal-assisted therapy into local hospitals, police stations, senior centers, and nursing home facilities.[6]
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]- Official website – Canine Concierge Corporation
- IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
- Fairfax Business License | Virginia SCC Annual Report
- Paws for Purpose NOVA – September 19, 2026
- DaVinci Digest Newsletter – October 2025 Edition
- Fairfax County Times Feature
- ABC/WJLA Live Interview
- ^ IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter, Canine Concierge Corporation (June 5, 2024).
- ^ Fairfax County Times Feature on Canine Concierge Corporation, 2025.
- ^ Paws for Purpose NOVA – September 19, 2026 Event Page
- ^ DaVinci Digest Newsletter – October 2025 Edition
- ^ Fairfax Business License | Virginia SCC Annual Report
- ^ ABC/WJLA Live Interview with Canine Concierge Corporation, 2025.