ECAD / Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities
About the Program
ECAD reports serving 60+ disabilities; programs include Open Doors, Canine Magic, Project HEAL and facility dogs.
Service Dogs Offered
Mobility/physical service dogs; medical-response tasks; autism; PTSD/TBI veteran dogs; facility dogs
Who Qualifies
Adults; children; veterans; facilities
Geographic eligibility: United States; requires travel to Connecticut
Does the Program Provide the Dog?
Provider supplies dog: Yes
Yes
Owner-training supported: No
No as core placement model
Cost & Financial Requirements
Fundraising contribution required; exact candidate commitment is individualized/not clearly published. Full organizational investment exceeds $100,000 per dog.
Directory cost category: $15,000+
Wait Time & Application Status
Wait time: Average 18–24 months from candidate acceptance to graduation
Applications: Open / Available
Pre-qualification and application available
ApplicationTraining & Travel Requirements
Training model: Purpose-bred/provider-trained dog; 13-day Team Training in Connecticut
Travel/on-site requirement: Interview, 13-day Team Training and annual public-access testing at Connecticut center
Support After Placement
Weekly check-ins early after placement, annual recertification/support; ongoing lifetime team support