Service Dog Application – Kadence Legacy Fund Partnership with our Trainer Holdfast K9
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The Kadence Legacy Fund is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by providing professionally trained service dogs. Through our partnership with K9 Holdfast, we ensure that each dog is carefully selected, trained, and matched to meet the unique needs of each veteran or individual with PTSD.

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*KLF Maritimes/Atlantic Canada One Dog, One Life Program will be opening soon.

Currently in the developing stages for NB, NS, PEI. 

Contact: Stephanie McMullen at KLFmaritimes@gmail.com

 

Eligibility for Veterans and Other Applicants:

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Applicants must provide a formal diagnosis of PTSD and include a letter of support from a licensed physician, therapist, or mental health professional confirming the recommendation for a service dog as part of their care and live in the Edmonton and surrounding area to attend training.

• Yes, our training program accepts applications from veterans seeking service dogs to support PTSD management.

• K9 Holdfast operates our One Dog, One Life service dog training program. They oversee puppy raisers, carefully select suitable dog breeds—Golden Retrievers, Golden Labradors, Labradors, and Labradoodles—and manage housing, training schedules, and the selection of dogs accepted into the program.

 

Cost to Selected Recipients:

• The full cost of training a service dog through Holdfast K9 is covered by the Kadence Legacy Fund.

• Veterans and eligible applicants do not pay a fee to receive their service dog.

• Cost for service dogs in Maritimes/Atlantic Canada will is covered by Kadence Legacy Fund Maritimes

 

Program Requirements

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PTSD Diagnosis:
Applicants must provide a formal diagnosis of PTSD and include a letter of support from a licensed physician, therapist, or mental health professional recommending a service dog. Applicants should reside in Edmonton or the surrounding area to attend training sessions.

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Commitment to Training:
Candidates must be able to dedicate 1–2 training sessions per week (1–2 hours each) in a public setting, working in partnership with an Alberta-Certified Service Dog Trainer from Holdfast K9.

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Emotional Readiness:
Applicants must demonstrate no history of anger or aggressive behavior that could compromise the safety of the dog or others.

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Financial Responsibility:
While the Kadence Legacy Fund covers the cost of training, applicants are responsible for basic care expenses for the service dog, including food, routine veterinary care, and ongoing wellness needs.

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Personal Statement:
Each application must include a personal story outlining your mental health journey, the impact PTSD has had on your life, and how a service dog would improve your quality of life and emotional well-being.

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How to Apply:

Application Package: Please email us at kadencelegacymemorialfund@gmail.com to be considered for the  Holdfast K9 Service Dog program.

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Application Package: KLF Maritimes soon to come. 

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For a printable PDF Application Package, click: Form 

Applications are now open for Edmonton, Alberta.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Accepting applications now. September 3th for our deadline date for applications and selection completed by October 12,  2026.

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We encourage all to apply now as funding determines how many dogs can be selected into our program.