With the dramatically increasing need for Assistance Dogs the need for strong corporate support is great. ECAD exists primarly due to the support from private donations. Your company's support benefits three lives: the at-risk that educate the dogs, the clients live with disabilities who recieve the dogs, and the dogs who lives a life of purpose.

Why become a member?

ECAD is dedicated to powering those living with disabilities, your support of ECAD is an endorsement of the work we will do together to enhance the lives of living with disabilites.

 Who Participates?

The council is comprised of corporate business leaders who share an interest in improving the quality of life for at-risk youth and people living with disabilities.

Key Role:

The council provides ongoing assistance in the form of awareness, expert advice and monetary contributions. Thus, allowing ECAD to continue our mission, expand services offered, and provide more people with a life of new opportunty. 

Core Benefits of Membership:

• Company name listed in ECAD publications, prominent recognition at all ECAD events
• Crosslink on ECAD and Company website
• Bi-annual meeting of Council members
• Certificate of Membership and plaque honoring level of participation

Membership Levels:

Companies that sign up for a three-year term as a Council member will be listed as Platinum Donors at each Partner level for the duration of membership.  All partner-level members who sign on in the first fiscal year (prior to December 31, 2014) will be listed as Founding Partners for the duration of their membership.

Annual memberships are renewable in September of each year.

• Benefactor Council Partner - $25,000 or more
• Sustaining Council Partner - $15,000 - $24,999
• General Council Partner - $10,000 - 14,999
• Council Friend - $5,000 - $9,999

Core Benefits of Membership:

• Company name listed in ECAD publications, prominent recognition at all ECAD events
• Crosslink on ECAD and Company website
• Bi-annual meeting of Council members
• Certificate of Membership and plaque honoring level of participation

Become a Member Form

Meet the Council

Benefactor Council Partners

• United Rentals (Founding Partner)
• GE (Founding Partner)

There are many ways you can be a part of the miraculous process of turning tiny puppies into confident and mature Service Dogs. Of course, you don't have to be a dog handler at all to help. Do you enjoy organizing and promoting events, asking for gift donations, writing grants, graphic design, or just helping out? ECAD has volunteer opportunities for you too.

• Apply Now

Canine Volunteer Opportunities

HOME for the Weekend Program: 

Love dogs, but too busy to be a full-time dog owner? Not sure if a dog is right for your family? Then the Home for the Weekend Program is right for you! ECAD offers a unique opportunity where you are able to take a dog home on a part time basis. For ECAD, you help us teach the dog proper house manners, socialize the dogs to new surroundings, and reinforce basic obedience skills.

• Learn More
• Apply Now

Nursery Team Homes 

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.

• Learn More
• Apply Now

Canine Grooming & Excersising

Kennel

Youth Volunteers

Do you love dogs and being around them? Do you want to see people in need of a Service Dog receive the well-trained dog they deserve? Then the Youth Volunteer Program may be right for you! Here at ECAD, we need volunteers to help us care for our dogs and facilities where we house and train future Service Dogs. 

• Learn More
• Apply Now

Experience & Expertise

• Drive the ECAD bus for community events or training field trips with clients and/or student trainers. 
• Help out with client-based events such as Team Training and Graduation. Needs include preparing rooms for clients' arrival, organizing a welcome breakfast or lunch, creating and sending out graduation invitations, decorating, or organizing a graduation dinner.
• Obtaining financial donations or gifts-in-kind from individuals, groups, or businesses.
• Facility Improvements are always appreciated at our training centers. Needs include covered outdoor runs, wheelchair friendly landscaping, storage facilities, paving, etc. Some projects will also require volunteers to raise funds or obtain supplies through donations.
• Internet guru/ Database specialists.

A Heartfelt Commitment to Service Dogs in Training

Transform weekends into meaningful experiences by nurturing the next generation of Service Dogs.

What if your weekend could change someone’s life forever? At ECAD, you can make a lasting difference—just by welcoming a service dog in training into your home for a couple of days twice a month. Our Home for the Weekend program invites families and individuals to open their hearts and homes, offering something our facility can’t: the rhythm of real life. No experience needed—just compassion, a bit of your time, and a willingness to learn.

What Does a Home Handler Do?

As a Home Handler, you'll play a pivotal role in the developmental journey of our service dogs by:

• Teaching Home Manners: Reinforce basic obedience and household etiquette.

• Socializing with New Environments: Introduce dogs to various settings, enhancing their adaptability.

• Engaging in Dog-Friendly Activities: Participate in outings and experiences that broaden their exposure.

• Continuing Their Education: Apply training techniques consistent with ECAD's methods.

Why Your Role Matters

Service dogs require more than training—they need real-world experiences in loving homes. That’s where you come in. By becoming a Home Handler, you:

• Help dogs build confidence in everyday environments.

• Provide affection and structure that complements their professional training.

• Play a key role in preparing them to serve someone with a disability.

You don’t have to commit to long-term fostering. Just a few weekends a month can have a life-changing ripple effect.

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. 

What does ECAD provide?

We equip you with all the essentials to ensure a successful experience:

• Training: Comprehensive orientation and bi-monthly refresher courses.

• Supplies: Food, crate, and all necessary materials.

• Support: Ongoing guidance from our dedicated team.

Commitment & Requirements

To maintain consistency and quality in training:

• Orientation: Attend a one-day Saturday orientation session.

• Training: Participate in a brush-up class every two months.

• Reports: Submit weekly progress updates.

• Duration: Commit to a minimum of 6 months.

• Frequency: Host a dog a minimum of twice a month.

• Guidelines: Adhere to ECAD's established protocols.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Details

Our campus is conveniently located on the Torrington/Winchester town line in Connecticut. For non-holiday weekends:

• Pick-Up: Friday afternoons.

• Drop-Off: Sunday late afternoons/evenings.

This schedule ensures the dogs have ample time to acclimate to your home environment and enjoy quality time with your family.

Ready to Make a Difference?

You don’t need to be an expert dog handler to volunteer—just someone who cares. Whether you're a family looking to give back, an empty-nester with extra love to give, or a dog lover who can’t commit full-time, Home for the Weekend is a perfect way to get involved. Embark on a rewarding journey that impacts lives. Apply now to become a Home Handler and be a part of something truly special and transform lives everyday.

To apply: Apply Now