Nursery Team – Where Every Puppy’s Journey Begins 🐾
Imagine being the very first stop on a service dog’s path to changing a life. As part of ECAD’s Nursery Team, you’ll welcome a bright-eyed puppy into your home, give them their first taste of family life, and help them learn the basic manners and confidence they’ll need to succeed. It’s hands-on, heart-melting, and truly life-changing—for the dog and for you. 💛
What You’ll Do
- Teach the basics: sit, come, down, stay, and polite leash walking.
- Build great manners: calm greetings, no counter-surfing, no begging.
- Show them the world: gentle exposure to new places, people, and sounds to boost confidence.
- Provide daily care: meals, playtime, potty breaks, exercise, cuddles. 🐶
What We Provide
We’ve got the essentials covered so you can focus on love and learning:
- Puppy (of course!)
- Food and a crate
- Training guidance + ongoing support from ECAD staff
What You Commit To
Puppy stays about 6–7 months (sometimes a bit longer if needed).- Attend one training class per month.
- Return to ECAD for vaccination appointments. 💉
- Submit weekly progress reports.
- Make sure the puppy is not left alone more than 3 hours at a time.
Why Puppies Return to ECAD for Vaccines
Centralizing veterinary care keeps puppies healthy and our program running smoothly:
- Lower costs: ECAD receives discounts from partner veterinarians, and trained staff can administer many vaccines in-house.
- Accurate records: One system keeps medical records complete and consistent.
- No ownership snags: Some clinics won’t release records or treat ECAD-owned dogs; our process avoids delays.
Who Makes a Great Nursery Team Volunteer?
- You’re patient, consistent, and love routine. 📅
- You can keep a young pup supervised and engaged.
- You’re excited to follow training guidance and provide gentle structure.
How It Works (Quick Peek)
- Apply online and select “Nursery Team.”
- Meet & learn with ECAD staff; get your supplies and training plan.
- Welcome your pup and begin building skills and confidence.
- Return for vaccines/check-ins and share weekly progress updates.
- Celebrate the hand-off as your pup graduates to the next training stage! 🎓
Feeling Inspired?
If learning more has you thinking, “You know what—I’m ready!” just go ahead and apply today. The dogs (and all of us here at ECAD) will be absolutely tail-wagging excited to welcome you aboard! 🐾
Apply Now
Still Unsure?
No worries, it's a big commitment that should not be taken lightly. But we are here to help and happy to talk it through and help you find the right fit!
Learn More
Nursery Team FAQ | Blog Post: Volunteers: The Heart and Soul of a Nonprofit | Blog Post: A Story from ECAD's Nursery Team | Contact Us
