Wilton Business Honored by State of Connecticut

Canine Company Honored by Connecticut General Assembly for 35 Years of Improving Pets’ Lives

State Senator Toni Boucher joined the employees and leadership of Wilton-based Canine Company to mark the company’s 35^th anniversary Friday, November 16.

She presented a Citation from the Connecticut General Assembly to Canine Company President and CEO Jennifer Hill, daughter of the company founders.  The citation, which was sponsored by Senator Boucher, along with the other members of the Wilton delegation – Rep. Gail Lavielle and Rep. Tom O’Dea recognizes the company’s many contributions over the past 35 years  – from creating jobs to preserving an historic property to supporting community programs – with a State Citation.

“We are proud of our contributions to the Town of Wilton and the State of Connecticut,” said Hill, “But we are even prouder of the fact that Canine Company has directly improved the lives of more than 350,000 dogs and the families who love them.  Helping people care for their pets is what drives us every day.” 

How it began

Hill was a 6-year-old when her canine companion, a Basset hound named Lucy, wandered into the road and was hit and killed by a car.  That loss started Hill’s parents, Carol and Henry, on the path to launching the company. 

After losing Lucy, the Hills tried a range of solutions to keep their dogs safe – from a fence around the property to enclosed pens. But the dogs always found a way out.  

Carol kept searching for a better solution, and eventually discovered new technology that used radio signals to create a pet boundary. They installed the system on their property, and were thrilled to see the family dogs running free, never leaving their yard.  

The Hills believed this wonderful new technology needed to be shared with other pet lovers. They reached out to the Invisible Fence Company about becoming a dealer and in November 1983, launched Canine Fence Company (later dropping Fence from the name). 

Through serendipity, their first clients were the actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Delighted with the product and service, Newman and Woodward became advocates for the Hills and the company’s client list quickly became a who’s who of celebrities with homes in Connecticut. 

As word spread, the company grew too large for the Hill’s basement and in 1988, they moved the company into an historic building on Route 7 in Wilton, which they restored and where the company is still headquartered today.

Still family-led and community-focused

Today, the company’s mission includes keeping pets happy and healthy, as well as safe.

Jennifer took the helm as President and CEO in 2014. Under her leadership, Canine Company has expanded its offerings to include dog obedience training, mobile dog grooming and pet sitting and now serves pet-loving families across New England, New York and New Jersey.

In addition, the company has expanded its philanthropic efforts.  Over the past decade, Canine Company has donated more than $1.1 million to support community projects and pet-related causes like animal shelters and rescue organizations. Most recently, Canine Company donated $5000 to the Norwalk River Valley Trail towards the WilWalk that will connect the Norwalk and Wilton sections of the trail. 

In addition, the company has donated more than 1100 pet oxygen mask kits to first responders for use when pets are rescued during fires and other emergencies. 

Hill remains committed to her parents’ vision of enhancing the bond between pets and the people who love them as she has steers the company in new directions and sets the framework for the next 35 years.  For more information, visit www.caninecompany.com. 

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