2026 International Courthouse Dogs Conference: Full Schedule

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3:15pm PDT

Budgeting for Your Facility Dog Program: From Day One to Retirement

Wednesday October 7, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

Sustaining a facility dog program takes more than passion — it takes community. Sarah Grabner knows this firsthand. As a handler, Victim Assistance Supervisor, and CDF's Oregon State Liaison, she has built a grassroots funding approach that meets people where they are — civic groups, tabling events, speaking engagements, conferences, and everything in between.

In this session, Sarah shares the practical strategies she has developed for engaging her community, building local awareness, and converting that goodwill into real support for her program. From planning for the long game — including the often-overlooked costs of aging and retirement — to finding the donors, partners, and advocates already waiting in your community, Sarah's approach is practical, replicable, and grounded in what actually works.

Whether you are just starting to think about funding or looking to diversify and grow what you already have, this session will give you a toolkit you can take home and put to work immediately.

Speakers