Dogs in tiny graduation caps will trot across a makeshift stage in South Austin this weekend as Every Dog Behavior and Training hosts its first-ever graduation celebration, honoring dogs and their families who completed the nonprofit's training programs. The event doubles as a fundraiser, with proceeds going toward keeping professional behavior support affordable for Central Texas pet owners.
The celebration is set for September 26, transforming Every Dog's South Austin facility into a graduation venue for the afternoon, according to KXAN Austin. Attendees can expect a graduation-style ceremony complete with a playful awards presentation, including a Most Wiggles Award and a Best Underbite Award, alongside food, beverages, and a silent auction that guests can bid in throughout the event.
A Nonprofit Built on Shelter Experience
Every Dog Behavior and Training is led by Executive Director Miranda Hitchcock, who previously served as Shelter Operations Manager at Austin Animal Center, where she oversaw the municipal shelter's animal care and behavior programs, according to Every Dog Behavior and Training. Hitchcock holds a master's degree in Applied Animal Behavior from Virginia Tech, per the same organization. Co-founder Michele Mendoza also spent time on the Behavior Team at Austin Animal Center and has run dog training programs in the Austin area since 2010, according to GoodyDoggy, which notes she holds credentials including CBCC-KA and CPDT-KA.
That combined shelter and private-training background shapes the organization's approach, which relies on ethical, science-based training and behavior support to help dogs and their people build stronger relationships, per KXAN. The nonprofit provides professional training programs and behavior consultations alongside broader community outreach efforts aimed at making services accessible to Austin-area families.
Addressing an Overcrowded Municipal Shelter
A presentation reviewed by the City of Austin's Animal Advisory Commission reports that, in July 2026, 1,042 domestic animals entered Austin Animal Services, while 1,054 had outcomes, including 601 adoptions and 333 transfers to rescue.
Every Dog Behavior and Training provides group classes for shelter dogs at local shelters. The training programs are intended to give those dogs the skills needed to thrive once they land in forever homes — ultimately improving adoption outcomes.
Grants Fuel Sliding-Scale Access
The nonprofit's ability to keep costs low rests on its structure as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that offers financial assistance through an honor system, helping make professional dog behavior assistance more accessible.
Every Dog partnered with the University of Tennessee Center for Pet Family Well-Being to launch the Access to Behavior Care Research Project, a national study backed by a $170,000 grant from Maddie's Fund. Researchers at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work note that behavioral problems like fear and aggression are among the primary reasons pets are surrendered to shelters, underscoring why accessible behavior care matters well beyond Central Texas.
The need for that kind of accessible support is significant in Austin. Every Dog has a North Austin location, and Saturday's graduation celebration will take place at its South Austin facility.
How to Attend
The graduation celebration welcomes dog lovers, pet parents, and community supporters to cheer on the graduates, bid in the silent auction, and enjoy the festivities alongside dogs dressed in graduation caps for graduation-themed activities and surprises throughout the afternoon. Every Dog Behavior and Training posts updates on the event through its social media account, @everydogaustin, and tickets and event details are available at everydogaustin.org.
