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OUR MISSION is to enable people with disabilities to gain greater independence and mobility through the use of specially educated dogs.

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A group of adorable sleeping puppies, closely cuddled together.

Puppies, puppies, and more puppies!

Here at ECAD we are always excited to welcome a new litter of puppies to the family because we know that they are going to grow up to help people living with disabilities lead a more independent life. And, we get to watch them grow from moments after they are born until they are 8 weeks old and ready to begin the next phase of their canine education.

When the puppies are 8 weeks old, they are ready to venture off to their nursery families. These are amazing volunteers who open their homes, their lives and their hearts to helping these puppies become the Service Dogs they are meant to be.

How long do the puppies stay with the nursery team?

 Nursery families welcome an 8 to 10 week old puppy into their homes for 6 - 7 months with the option of additional stay.

What do nursery teams do?

The families will begin to teach the puppy basic commands (sit, come, down, stay, etc.), household manners, and get to explore new and different things.

How do I sign up?

It's quick and easy to sign up...all you have to do is complete this short application and a member of the ECAD team will get in touch with you. A puppy with the text "Boop the Snoot to Join!" written in a starburst shape.

What does ECAD provide?

ECAD will supply the food, crate and puppy, you supply the love and attention!

Other things you need to know...

1. You must be able to attend one training class a month
2. You must be able to bring the puppy back for vaccinations
3. You must complete weekly progress reports
4. Puppy can't be left home for more than 3 hours at a time
5. There is a 6 month commitment with optional additional stay

Still have questions? No problem! Contact us at (860) 489-6550

APPLY NOW!

351587381 1678178505941804 1397653019578777022 nThe puppy naming auction is a great way for you to get involved in these pups’ journey to becoming working dogs!  You can win the naming rights to a future Service Dog.  We choose the theme and, you choose the name!   Your tax-deductible donation will help these puppies begin their education.  They can’t wait to help people with disabilities gain greater independence!  But, they need YOU first.  Your winning bid and the name you give your pup is their first step towards the ultimate goal of becoming a Service Dog.   

How to play:

  1. Register to become a bidder.
  2. Click on “Puppies” from the menu bar.
  3. Select the puppy/puppies you would like to name.
  4. Place your bid.
  5. Highest bidder WINS!

The Rules:

  1. There needs to be an easy correlation between the name and the naming theme.
  2. ECAD reserves the right to refuse/reject any name deemed inappropriate or too difficult for a person with a speech impairment or speech-related disability to pronounce.
  3. If two bidders wish to name two puppies the same name, naming recognition goes to the highest bidder.
  4. Name needs to be provided to ECAD by specified date and time indicated on the auction page. Failure to provide a name within the timeframe allotted will automatically forfeit your winning bid and the next highest bidder will be offered the opportunity to name the puppy.
  5. Suggestions for nicknames are welcome, however, final determination of nicknames will be determined by ECAD.
  6. No acronyms.

bidnow

ECAD Live Cameras

Thanks to our partnership with explore.org we are excited to invite you to take a candid look inside the world of Service Dogs. Get a sneak peek at just what goes into the making of a Service Dog.

Puppy Cam

ECAD purposefully whelps 3 to 4 litters a year with the sole intent of placing them as Service Dogs. We are patiently awaiting our next litter of puppies. While you wait please join us live every Wednesday at 10:30 am EST to see behind the scenes training of all our adult dogs.

You will be able to watch them grow, learn, and play here at our campus day after day.  Watch Live Now!

Puppy Cam

 

Want even more joy, hope and adorableness? Sign Up for our Free Newsletter!

 

Mark your calendars, Wednesday's just got a little bit better.

Each Wednesday you can watch (and interact with!) the Canine Instructors as they teach Service Dogs-in-Training the foundational skills that will develop into more advanced skills to help people living with disabilities one day. You'll observe, learn and ask questions of the ECAD Team by chatting online with them in the comments.

Tune in Wednesdays to see what happens at ECAD and how these dogs develop into Service Dogs before your eyes!

Live: Wednesdays from 10:30am - 11:30am eastern time

Class is in session

 

You can make a difference! Want to help these puppies become Service Dogs assisting people with disabilities? Donate here!

 

 
 
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ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and we depend on generosity of people like you to continue changing lives.

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ECAD Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways you can be a part of the miraculous process of turning tiny puppies into confident and mature Service Dogs.

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Service Dogs

To see if a Service Dog is right for you , click a button below.

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