EAST COAST ASSISTANCE DOGS INC

Programs

1. Breeding, veterinary and canine volunteer programs: ecad's combined canine reproductive health, veterinary, and canine volunteer programs support the early lifecycle of each purpose-bred service dog, from planned reproduction and whelping through veterinary care, early development, socialization, and volunteer-supported home experiences. For more than 30 years, ecad has refined a proven model using golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and crosses of the two breeds to develop healthy, reliable dogs with the temperament and qualities needed for future service work. Ecad plans each litter in response to program need, ensuring that every puppy is raised with purpose and aligned with the organization's capacity to develop future assistance dogs. Continued on schedule o.program expenses include reproductive health management, maternal and puppy care, whelping, puppy raising, veterinary oversight, volunteer training, early socialization, and weekend home care. With the support of ecad staff and more than 100 youth and adult volunteers, breeder-caretakers provide care for dogs in ecad's reproductive health program, nursery team families provide young puppies with early household…

   $445,486 spent
   24% of program spending

2. Canine education and client services: ecad's canine education and client services programs support the advanced training, individualized matching, and client instruction required to create successful assistance dog teams. Over 18 to 24 months, each service dog in training receives approximately 1,500 hours of education and learns to master more than 80 commands, exceeding assistance dogs international education standards prior to placement. Through this work, ecad nurtures each dog's abilities, empowers clients with the skills to build a strong working partnership, and transforms lives through increased independence. Continued on schedule o.ecad trains service dogs for adults and children with physical disabilities, as well as facility dogs that work alongside trained professionals in healthcare, education, and judicial settings. Placement occurs through team training, an intensive two-week course where clients learn to work with, care for, and expand their dog's skills. Since 1995, ecad has graduated more than 500 assistance dog teams nationwide with more than 125 actively working today.

   $924,709 spent
   50% of program spending

3. Public relations, marketing and development: ecad's public relations, marketing, and development efforts support national awareness, local engagement, and the resources needed to advance its mission. Through public education, media outreach, digital communications, direct mail, newsletters, social media, community presentations, and its website, ecad raises awareness of assistance dogs and the challenges faced by people living with disabilities. These efforts help educate the public, share program impact, engage supporters, and connect prospective clients, volunteers, donors, and community partners with ecad's services. Continued on schedule o.ecad staff and more than 100 dedicated volunteers conduct outreach individually and in small groups to promote greater understanding of how assistance dogs help people live with increased independence. Together, these activities strengthen ecad's visibility, expand community support, and generate the awareness and resources needed to nurture, empower, and transform lives through successful assistance dog partnerships.

   $243,328 spent
   13% of program spending

4. Candidate, client and graduate services: ecad's candidate, client, and graduate services support individuals seeking an assistance dog from initial application through placement and long-term graduate follow-up. In 2025, ecad responded to 205 applications and maintained a waiting list of individuals seeking placement with a service dog or facility dog. Candidates receive individualized guidance through application review, documentation support, placement-readiness assessment, and extensive interviews before acceptance into an ecad program or team training. This process helps ensure each candidate understands the responsibilities, home and workplace changes, and long-term commitment involved in receiving an assistance dog. Ecad also gathers input from medical professionals, family members, and support networks to determine whether each future team has the foundation needed for success. Graduate services extends ecad's commitment beyond placement through follow-up care, public access recertification, equipment review, command assessment, troubleshooting, and support as client needs change. In 2025, ecad staff provided 662 hours of follow-up care for more than 125 client-service dog…

   $243,648 spent
   13% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2025 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $1,857,171.