07/01/2025
Choose Chico Spotlight: Sarah Richardson | The Canine Connection, Chico CAđž
When Sarah Richardson moved to Chico in 2001, she didnât just bring her love for teaching and dogsâshe brought a vision that would shape the way Chico cares for its canine companions. A retired college professor, lifelong animal lover, and pioneering entrepreneur, Sarah is the founder and heart behind The Canine Connection, now in its 24th year of offering positive dog training, enrichment daycare, and premium boarding services to Chico-area residents.
Before launching her business, Sarah was on the faculty at Texas A&M, where she also earned her PhD in natural resources management. Her journey into the world of professional dog training began as a passion project alongside Dr. Kay Stephens, a veterinarian and behaviorist. This âhobbyâ grew into a calling. And when she moved to Chico to teach at California State University, Chico, she quickly realized the community was missing something close to her heart: positive reinforcement dog training.
Enter Deveron, a reactive greyhound she was fostering. While training him in public using a force-free approach (no shock collars or scoldingâjust treats, trust, and connection), passersby began asking if she could help their dogs too. And just like that, The Canine Connection was bornâbuilt not with a business plan, but with love, curiosity, and a deep belief in creating stronger bonds between people and pets.
Sarah has made an indelible mark on Chico. Under her leadership, The Canine Connection has grown into two locations, employs a team of 25, and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local shelters and rescues. Her business has served multiple generations of both humans and dogs. Clients who took her classes 20 years ago are now enrolling their children and family petsâtestament to the deep trust and loyalty Sarah has earned in this community.
But her impact goes far beyond her business. Sheâs mentored young professionals, worked closely with Chico Animal Shelter, helped launch the beloved Walk Woof Wag event (which has raised over $130,000 for the shelterâs medical fund), and served as a therapy team evaluator for two decades. Sheâs even hosted behavioral workshops for vet staff and volunteered with local high school career programs to inspire the next generation of animal care professionals.
Sarah also credits her success to organizations like 3core and Butte College Small Business Development Center, who offered not just funding, but invaluable training and coaching. âThey believed in me,â she says, âand their support was critical to the growth of the business.â Local banks like Golden Valley Bank and Northern California National Bank were instrumental as well.
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in Chico?
âWork from your heart. Let your business reflect your passions. Treat your customers with appreciationâthey are a gift. Mentor your employees so they can grow. Be ready for the ups and downs, and always stay centered on your mission. And yesâuse the incredible resources Chico has to offer like 3Core and SBDC that are here to support small business!"
Through her work, Sarah has redefined what it means to be a business owner in Chicoâleading with compassion, integrity, and a deep love for dogs and people alike.
Thank you, Sarah, for choosing Chicoâand for making it a better place, one wagging tail at a time.
