Synchrony and CareCredit Lend a Helping Paw to College Puppy Raisers Training Canine Companions' Next Generation of Service Dogs
Rhea-AI Summary
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), via its CareCredit health and wellness credit card, announced a $150,000 donation to Canine Companions. $50,000 will help cover veterinary costs for college student puppy raisers at 30 colleges in 23 states, with $100,000 supporting broader program operations.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – SYF
In the May 12 session, SYF gained 0.80%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 06 | Retail card relaunch | Positive | +1.9% | Relaunch of DICK'S credit card with richer rewards and sign-up bonus. |
| Apr 30 | Co-brand expansion | Positive | +1.4% | Synchrony becomes issuer of MyLowe's Pro Rewards American Express card. |
| Apr 29 | Financial literacy survey | Neutral | -1.5% | Consumer survey on financial literacy and Synchrony’s related charitable efforts. |
| Apr 22 | New retail cards | Positive | +1.2% | Launch of Chico’s FAS multi-brand credit card and loyalty program with Synchrony. |
| Apr 21 | Earnings and capital | Positive | -1.2% | Q1 2026 results plus dividend hike and authorization of $6.5B repurchase. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Partnership and co-brand announcements have generally seen positive price alignment, while the recent earnings/capital return release saw a negative reaction despite shareholder-friendly actions.
Over the past few weeks, Synchrony has focused on co-brand growth and shareholder returns. On Apr 21, Q1 2026 results included a dividend increase to $0.34 from Q3 and a $6.5B repurchase program, yet shares fell. Subsequent retail partnerships with Chico’s (Apr 22), Lowe’s (Apr 30) and DICK’S (May 6) all saw positive price reactions. Against this backdrop, today’s charitable CareCredit/Canine Companions donation continues Synchrony’s brand- and community-building news flow rather than altering fundamentals.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Donation helps cover veterinary care to reduce a key financial hurdle for student puppy raisers in 23 states
Key Highlights
$150,000 $50,000 - CareCredit has proudly partnered with Canine Companions for more than 10 years as part of its commitment to helping manage the cost of care, whether that care is for families, pets, or service dogs that change lives
This milestone gift celebrates Canine Companions' 50th anniversary, and CareCredit's longstanding partnership with the organization over the last 10 years. Of the total donation,
"Franklin is the first puppy I've raised. Watching him grow and change from that young puppy who couldn't do anything to this 8-month-old who is doing really well and focused is really impressive to me," said Lucy, a Canine Companions volunteer puppy raiser at Colorado State University. "He started with just routine [veterinary] visits, but since then, he's had a few ear infections and emergency visits. So, it's definitely a lot and can be expensive pretty quick. Having the support of CareCredit and Canine Companions is a huge lifesaver."
College student volunteers, like Lucy, play a crucial role in the earliest stage of a service dog's training by opening their homes and hearts to Canine Companions puppies for their first 18 months helping them learn 30 essential skills. Meet Lucy and future Service Dog Franklin and other students (with their puppies!) talk about their experience training future service dogs in this new CareCredit video series.
Collegiate puppy raisers traditionally cover all expenses, including food, toys, bedding, and critical veterinary care, which can total
"College students play an essential role in the Canine Companions program, delivering the early training and socialization that put future service dogs on the road to success," said Jonathan Wainberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Pet, Synchrony. "Veterinary expenses, especially unexpected bills, can be hard to manage on a student budget. This donation allows puppy raisers to stay focused on what they do best: developing confident, capable dogs that will one day change someone's life. It also underscores why CareCredit exists in the first place: to help people manage the cost of care."
Canine Companions, founded in 1975, stands as the largest provider of service dogs in the
"As Canine Companions celebrates 50 years of providing greater access to independence, we are honored to continue our vital mission," said Jeanine Konopelski, Chief Marketing Officer for Canine Companions. "Support from partners like CareCredit is critical to our cause. This funding directly empowers more dedicated students to join our mission, enabling us to provide increased independence to those who need it most."
Since its inception, Canine Companions has placed over 8,600 expertly trained service dogs across the country. To learn more about becoming a Canine Companions puppy raiser, please visit canine.org/raise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the significance of this donation?
A1: Synchrony, on behalf of CareCredit, is donating
Q2: How will this donation support college student puppy raisers?
A2: This donation directly reduces unpredictable veterinary costs that are a major barrier for student volunteers, while also funding program operations that sustain Canine Companions' national service dog mission.
Q3: What colleges and universities have active Puppy Raising Clubs?
- AU Collar Scholars — Adelphi University
- Collar Scholars TSU — Tarleton State University
- Collar Scholars at UCLA — University of
California ,Los Angeles - Collar Scholars at UNLV — University of
Nevada ,Las Vegas - Collar Scholars at Belmont University —
Belmont University - Canine Companions Club — The Evergreen State College
- Yellow Caped Raiders — Texas Tech University
- Living Unleashed — University of
Central Arkansas - Collar Scholars UNT — University of
North Texas - Collar Scholars at Carroll College — Carroll College
- Collar Scholars at KSU — Kent State University
- TUSTEP — Tulane University
- STEP at UCF — University of
Central Florida - STEP-UP — University of
Pennsylvania - Canine Companions – Clemson University — Clemson University
- STEP @ LU —
Longwood University - Collar Scholars at University of Alabama — University of
Alabama - Collar Scholars at CU Boulder — University of Colorado Boulder
- STEP at Pitt — University of
Pittsburgh - Mines Collar Scholars — Colorado School of Mines
- STEP at LSU — Louisiana State University
- Collar Scholars AZ — University of
Arizona - Canine Companions at UConn — University of
Connecticut - Collar Scholars Tampa — University of
South Florida - Collar Scholars at CSU — Colorado State University
- Rice PAWS — Rice University
- Collar Scholars at U of A — University of
Arkansas - Collar Scholars at UD — University of
Delaware - UTD SIT — University of
Texas –Dallas - Prendergast Pups —
Washington State University
Learn more about starting a Collegiate Puppy Raising Club here.
Q4: Where can I learn more about CareCredit?
A4: Learn more about managing the cost of pet care with the CareCredit credit card at https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/
About Synchrony
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a leading consumer financing company that has been at the heart of American commerce and opportunity for nearly a century. Synchrony delivers credit and banking products that empower tens of millions of consumers to improve their financial lives and access what matters most. Leveraging innovative solutions that are shaping the future of retail commerce, Synchrony supports the growth and success of some of the nation's most respected brands, alongside hundreds of thousands of small and midsize businesses, including health and wellness providers. Committed to excellence in service and culture, Synchrony is honored to be ranked the #1 Best Company to Work For® in the
About Canine Companions
National nonprofit Canine Companions is celebrating 50 years of independence. In 1975, a door towards greater independence was opened for people with disabilities — and it all started with a dog. Canine Companions invented the concept of the modern service dog to assist people with physical disabilities, empowering people with disabilities to live with greater independence. As the first and largest provider of service dogs, Canine Companions serves adults, children and veterans with disabilities and professionals working in health care, law enforcement, and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, we have provided these services at no cost to the recipient. Canine Companions is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and has eight locations across the country serving all 50 states. Learn more at canine.org or call 1-800-572-BARK (2275).
Media Contact
Ashley Tufts
Synchrony
Ashley.Tufts2@syf.com
Robyn Smith
Canine Companions
rsmith@canine.org
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/synchrony-and-carecredit-lend-a-helping-paw-to-college-puppy-raisers-training-canine-companions-next-generation-of-service-dogs-302768735.html
SOURCE Synchrony