Help Us Build our Diabetic Alert Program!
On April 3, IAAD’s Director of Canine Programs and Advanced Trainer will travel from Calgary to Concord, California with four dogs in training to build a program that does not yet exist in Alberta and bring that knowledge home to serve our communities.
Help us build something that does not yet exist. Help us change what’s possible for individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes.
This is a direct investment in the future of diabetic alert dogs in Western Canada.
IAAD has been given a rare opportunity to train alongside the National Institute of Canine Service and Training through their Dogs4Diabetics (D4D) program. D4D is recognized by Guinness World Records as the first organization to scientifically train diabetic alert dogs, and the first program accredited by Assistance Dogs International. They are global leaders in medical-alert service dogs, setting the standard for accuracy, ethics, and lifelong client support.
Over six intensive weeks, our trainers and dogs will gain hands-on, world-class experience - building the foundation for a sustainable diabetic alert dog program here at home.
Today, Canadians who need a diabetic alert dog have extremely limited options. There is only one other nonprofit program in the country, based in Ontario, and it is currently not accepting new clients. In Alberta, IAAD is the only nonprofit developing this type of program leaving a significant gap for individuals and families living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Diabetic alert dogs can detect dangerous changes in blood sugar up to 20–30 minutes before current technology. For someone living with Type 1 Diabetes, that early alert can be life-saving.
IAAD’s Canine Programs Director is also the parent of a child recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We understand what families are navigating, and the value of adding an additional layer of safety, confidence, and companionship.
Our fundraising goal is $20,000 to cover travel, accommodation, vehicle costs, food for trainers and dogs, travel health insurance, and the supplies needed to bring this program home and implement it properly.
Dogs4Diabetics is providing this training at no additional cost, making this an exceptional opportunity. Every dollar raised goes directly toward getting our team there and back and fully equipped with proven life-saving methodology to build this program in Alberta.
This is not just a trip - it’s for a purpose way bigger than the journey.
Infinite Abilities Assistance Dogs is planning to raise an estimated amount of $20,000 on this campaign. It will cost our organization under 5% of the campaign revenue ($1,000) to raise this. The money raised will be to cover all related travel expenses for staff and canines.
For further information, please contact Laura Watamanuk at 403-258-2556 or info@iaad.ca.
Our address is 1401 – 4A Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2M 3B1.
We are incorporated in Canada with Extra Provincial Charity Status in Alberta.
Registered Charity No. 75311 6623 RR0001
Charitable tax receipts will be provided for all donations over $20.00