What FONDATION MIRA INTERNATIONALE does

Fondation Mira is a Canadian charitable non-profit founded in 1981 by Éric St-Pierre (named after his first guide dog, Mirabelle) and headquartered in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, Quebec. It breeds, trains, and provides guide and assistance dogs free of charge to three primary beneficiary groups: people with visual impairments (guide dogs), people with motor/physical disabilities (mobility assistance dogs), and children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (autism service dogs), plus a fourth institution service dog program for healthcare and educational facilities. Mira maintains a vertically integrated model: it operates its own puppy nursery, breeds Labrador, Bernese Mountain Dog, and a proprietary Labernois cross (including the Saint-Pierre type) at controlled inbreeding levels per ANIMA Québec and IGDF standards, places puppies in volunteer foster families at nine weeks for socialization, runs program-specific curricula with training durations of 3–8 months, and conducts multi-day beneficiary evaluations and 9-day to 4-week group matching classes on campus before home installation and ongoing follow-up.

The organization is dual-certified by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI), holds a Quebec MAPAQ Category 2 animal welfare permit, and is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (number 11892 4232 RR0001). Since inception it has placed over 4,000 dogs at an average rate of approximately 100 per year, with an average cost per dog of $35,000–$40,000 CAD. Funding comes entirely from donations (public and corporate), signature fundraising events (Mira Bike Ride in its 23rd edition, PowerDog CrossFit in its 5th, inaugural Mira Ball in April 2026, Big Draw lottery), a national cartridge recovery program operating since 1994, vehicle donations via Donate a Car Canada and Auto pour la vie, and paid corporate presentations. Mira also runs a research program in partnership with Canadian and French universities, including the MECA-ASD project and the Mira Conversations virtual research series. Since 2015, Nicolas St-Pierre (son of the co-founder) has served as Director General/CEO following the death of Éric St-Pierre in February 2025.

Name

FONDATION MIRA INTERNATIONALE

Legal name

Fondation Mira

Website

https://mira.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Fondation Mira is a Canadian non-profit founded in 1981 that breeds, trains, and provides guide and assistance dogs free of charge to people with visual impairments, motor disabilities, and children with autism spectrum disorder, placing approximately 100 dogs per year across Quebec and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Assistance Services

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Companion/Specialty Animal Breeding & Genetics Services (non-livestock) (AFAEAJAO)

Keywords

• Guide dog training
• Assistance dog services
• Service animal breeding
• Disability support programs
• Nonprofit animal assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Rivière-la-madeleine

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Public and Private Donations: Mira is entirely funded through donations from the general public and private sector companies. As a registered charity (number 11892 4232 RR0001), it issues tax receipts for donations of $20 or more, automatically for online donations and upon request for smaller amounts. One-time and recurring corporate donations are accepted.
2. Signature Fundraising Events: Mira organizes recurring signature events including the Mira Bike Ride (annual, raised over $2.2M to date), PowerDog CrossFit competition (annual, aims to raise $200,000–$300,000 per edition), and the inaugural Mira Ball (April 2026, goal of $550,000). Ticket sales, team registrations, sponsorships, and auction proceeds from these events directly fund dog training.
3. Cartridge Recovery Program: Mira collects laser and ink cartridges from businesses and individuals across Canada. Cartridges are sorted at the Neuville center and sold to recycling partners. For businesses, a minimum of 15 eligible cartridges is required and free pickup is provided. This program has been running since 1994 and serves as both an environmental initiative and a major fundraising channel.
4. Vehicle Donation: Mira partners with Donate a Car Canada and Auto pour la vie to receive donated vehicles. Donated vehicles are recycled or resold depending on condition, with the full sale value remitted to Mira. Free towing is provided. Donors receive a tax receipt for the full value of the donation.
5. Corporate Presentations: Mira offers paid corporate presentations (1–1.5 hours) for businesses and schools to educate teams and students about its mission, with a dog present. Pricing ranges from $600 (schools) to $800 (cartridge-participating businesses) to $1,000 (businesses), plus $100 per additional session and travel fees beyond 100 km from Mira's campus.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Fondation Mira Internationale is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization that breeds, trains, and provides guide and assistance dogs free of charge to people with visual impairments, motor/physical disabilities, and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The organization runs four specialized service dog programs (Guide Dog, Mobility Assistance, ASD Service Dog for Youth, and Institution Service Dog), supported by an in-house breeding program using Labrador, Bernese Mountain Dog, and proprietary Labernois crossbreeds, plus a structured beneficiary evaluation, matching, and post-attribution follow-up process.

Product overview

Mira is a nonprofit foundation founded in 1981 that trains and provides guide and assistance dogs free of charge to people with visual impairments, physical disabilities, and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Its core offering consists of four service dog programs — Guide Dog, Mobility Service Dog, ASD Service Dog for Youth, and Institution Service Dog — each with distinct training durations (3–8 months) and beneficiary criteria. The foundation breeds its own dogs (Labrador, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Labernese cross) at its nursery and socializes them through foster families. Complementary programs include a cartridge recycling initiative for environmental and fundraising purposes, corporate/school presentations, vehicle donation partnerships, an engraved stone memorial pathway (Mira Way), and adoption of unselected dogs. Fundraising is driven through signature events including the annual Mira Bike Ride, PowerDog CrossFit competition, the inaugural Mira Ball (April 2026), and a Big Draw lottery. Mira also conducts and supports scientific research, including the MECA-ASD project and the Conversations Mira virtual research series. The average cost per dog is approximately $35,000–$40,000, with an average of 100 dogs placed per year; over 4,000 dogs have been provided since 1981. Mira holds accreditations from the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI), and is registered as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency (number 11892 4232 RR0001).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Guide Dog Program (Chien-guide) Training and placement of guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Training takes 6 to 8 months; the program currently accepts applications with an approximate wait time of 1 year.
• Mobility Service Dog Program (Chien d'assistance à la mobilité)

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,000+ dogs provided free of charge since 1981, averaging 100 dogs per year across active programs
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Frank Devito FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 April 2026The Frank Devito Foundation co-presents the inaugural Mira Ball (April 23, 2026) alongside Mondou. The foundation's namesake, Frank E. Devito, serves as honorary co-chair of the ball and is featured prominently in event materials as a champion of Mira's mission and social impact.
• Groupe J.H.C (McDonald's franchisee)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 May 2025Groupe J.H.C, which owns McDonald's restaurants in the Montreal area, chose Mira as a local cause beneficiary of the Grand McDon campaign on May 8, 2025. Foster families with socialization dogs attended six locations to collect donations, and promotional merchandise (Grand McDon hearts, themed socks) were available for purchase.
• NATIONAL Public RelationsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 February 2025NATIONAL PR, a major Canadian communications firm, handled media relations for the announcement of the passing of co-founder Éric St-Pierre. Senior Vice-President Paul Wilson joined Mira's board of directors in April 2025, strengthening the organization's strategic communications and public affairs capabilities.
• Université de Reims Champagne-ArdenneminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 February 2025Mira supported the MECA-ASD research project (since 2020) in collaboration with researchers Nicolas Dollion and Marine Grandgeorge at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne. An international symposium was hosted at the university on March 26, 2026 to present findings on the effects of assistance dogs for children with autism.
• HP (Hewlett-Packard)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1994HP is one of the recycling partners for Mira's ink and laser cartridge recovery program. As a major printer manufacturer, HP supports the environmental dimension of the program and is featured in Mira's cartridge partner logos on the website.
• LexmarkminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1994Lexmark is a recycling partner in Mira's ink and laser cartridge recovery program. The company is featured in Mira's cartridge partner logos alongside other major toner and ink manufacturers including HP, supporting both environmental sustainability and Mira's fundraising.
• Mondou (Groupe Legault)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMondou is Mira's official partner, providing food discounts to all beneficiaries and serving as co-presenter of the Mira Ball alongside the Frank Devito Foundation. Mondou's involvement spans multiple years and includes brand visibility across Mira's digital and event channels. The partnership was established through long-term collaboration and includes cross-promotional activities such as in-store fundraising campaigns and branded content.
• IG Wealth Management (IG Gestion de Patrimoine)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerIG Wealth Management has collaborated with Mira on the annual Mira Bike Ride for 23 editions, serving as the event's primary corporate partner. The partnership has generated over $2.2 million in cumulative fundraising for Mira's dog training programs. IG provides financial sponsorship, participant recruitment support, and brand alignment with the event.
• Voyage Club ÉvasionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVoyage Club Évasion collaborated with Groupe Voyages Québec to present the Mira Big Draw, offering dream trips (South Africa, Alsace, Punta Cana) as prizes. The partnership aimed to generate over $30,000 in ticket sales, with all proceeds funding future guide and assistance dog training. Travel credits were also offered as prizes.
• Donate a Car CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonate a Car Canada is Mira's vehicle donation partner, handling the entire process from towing to recycling or resale, and remitting the full sale value to Mira. Donors receive a tax receipt. The partnership enables Mira to receive vehicle donations from supporters nationwide with zero logistical burden.
• Auto pour la vie (ARPAC Foundation)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAuto pour la vie, created by the ARPAC Foundation to support health-related organizations, partners with Mira to facilitate vehicle donations. Donated vehicles must be complete (no missing parts). The full sale value is remitted to Mira, and donors receive a tax receipt.
• Shop SantéminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShop Santé is the presenting sponsor of the PowerDog CrossFit competition, which has raised $200,000–$300,000 per edition to fund the training of multiple guide and assistance dogs. Shop Santé provides protein smoothie refreshments for participants as part of the event experience.
• CrossFit Stricken Saint-HilaireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCrossFit Stricken Saint-Hilaire organizes the annual PowerDog CrossFit competition in support of Mira, hosting the event at Mira's campus in Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. The 5th edition (June 2026) aims to welcome 650 participants and raise $300,000.
• Hamster (cartridge recycling partner)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHamster is listed as one of Mira's cartridge recycling partners, contributing to the sorting and processing of donated cartridges at the Neuville sorting center. Featured in the cartridge recovery program partner logos on Mira's website.
• Super C (Groupe J.H.C)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSuper C grocery stores (operated by Groupe J.H.C) run the annual 'Super Classe Mira' in-store fundraising campaign, collecting donations at checkout and featuring Mira puppies. The campaign runs for approximately one month and reaches thousands of shoppers across Greater Montreal. Groupe J.H.C also selected Mira as a beneficiary of the Grand McDon campaign (May 8, 2025) at six McDonald's locations.
• AIM RecyclageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAIM Recyclage is a recycling partner in Mira's ink and laser cartridge recovery program, handling the processing and end-of-life management of collected cartridges. Featured in the program partner logos alongside other recycling companies.
• Université de SaskatchewanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearchers from the University of Saskatchewan (Dr. Valérie Simard, Romany Pinto) collaborated on a study on animal-assisted physiotherapy in institutional settings, presented at the 10th Mira Conversation (March 10, 2026). The study examined the effects of rehabilitation dogs on children with cerebral palsy and the biomechanics of dogs working in institutional contexts.
• Université de SherbrookeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearchers from Université de Sherbrooke, including Dr. Valérie Simard, Dr. Nicolas Dollion, and Marine Grandgeorge, collaborated with Mira on the MECA-ASD project exploring the effects of assistance dogs on children with autism spectrum disorder. The research produced award-winning science communication and a published study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Guide Dogs for the Blind: Large U.S. nonprofit providing guide dogs free of charge to people who are blind or visually impaired. Directly comparable to Mira's guide-dog program on beneficiary type, training cadence, certification standards, and donor-funded free-of-charge delivery.
• East Coast Assistance Dogs: New York-based nonprofit that trains and places service dogs for people with physical disabilities, hearing loss, and autism. Comparable to Mira in multi-program service-dog training, donor-funded placement, and ADI-accredited operations.
• K9s For Warriors: U.S. nonprofit providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD and trauma at no cost. Comparable to Mira in nonprofit, donor-funded, free-of-charge model and focus on a specific underserved beneficiary cohort (Mira's ASD segment behaves similarly).
• The Seeing Eye: One of the oldest and largest guide-dog schools in the world, providing guide dogs to blind and visually impaired individuals at nominal cost. Comparable to Mira on training methodology, IGDF accreditation, and the in-house breeding program model.
• Paws With A Cause: U.S. nonprofit that trains and places service dogs for people with physical disabilities, hearing loss, and autism-related needs. Directly comparable to Mira on multi-program structure (mobility, ASD, hearing), donor-funded placement, and ADI accreditation.
• NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services): Massachusetts-based nonprofit training service dogs for people with physical disabilities and for veterans. Similar to Mira's mobility, ASD, and institution programs in beneficiary mix and free-of-charge, donation-funded delivery model.
• Canine Companions for Independence: U.S. nonprofit that breeds, trains, and places service dogs free of charge to people with physical, hearing, and developmental disabilities. Highly comparable to Mira: nonprofit model, multi-program curriculum, donor-funded, IGDF/ADI certified, with longer waiting lists and similar $35K–$50K per-dog economics.
• Guide Dogs of America: California-based nonprofit providing guide dogs free of charge to people who are blind or visually impaired. Closely mirrors Mira's guide-dog program: donor-funded, ADI/IGDF certified, waitlist-driven, and focused on beneficiary matching.

Broad incumbents

• American Humane (Assistance Dogs program): Large U.S. animal-welfare and service-animal organization operating an assistance-dog program within a broader portfolio. Comparable to Mira on the service-dog mission but serves as a broader incumbent with multiple animal-focused programs rather than a dedicated service-dog specialist.

Regional players

• Dogs for the Blind (UK): U.K.-based guide dog charity providing guide and assistance dogs free of charge. Comparable to Mira on mission and accredited training practices, but operates in a different geography and does not directly compete for beneficiaries in Canada.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/fondationmira
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCOPjj7HaKprKGNoCsOJxTNg
• Facebookfacebook.com/fondationmira
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fondation-mira
• Instagraminstagram.com/fondationmira

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about FONDATION MIRA INTERNATIONALE