ABOUT US
Based in Washington, D.C., Project Hortence was founded in August 2025 by a former eating disorder patient. The Hortence Project works to improve the chances of recovery for those living inside eating disorder treatment facilities. Often overlooked in recovery facilities is the invasiveness of traditional therapy, which can leave scars on the psyche. The Hortence Project aims to provide the nonintrusive option of canine therapy for those recovering from anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders.
Eating disorders can also lead to serious health complications, including cardiac issues, low blood sugar, and brain fog similar to that seen in patients with dementia.
A service animal can help detect, mitigate, and provide support for some of these challenges. Brain fog and anxiety can feel overwhelming, but a service dog can help reorient the mind through deep pressure therapy. Service dogs can also alert their handlers to early signs of cardiac issues or low blood sugar.
VOLUNTEER
Help the Hortence Project get off the ground in NOVA and DC. We are looking for more dog trainers, dogs, liaisons, and drivers for our work with facilities in Virginia. Please contact us with any questions about our work or concerns about our program and dogs in training. Thank you for your continued support.
DONATE
Your financial support can help advance compassionate, non traumatic care for people who have already been through so much. Join the Hortence Project in raising awareness and building a future outside of Rehab Facilities.
METHODS AND METRICS
OUR PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH
We ask an important question: if service dogs can support rehabilitation for people with PTSD, how might they also support individuals with eating disorders? Learn about our programs and our training process.
OUR NEEDS AND THE COST OF OUR PROGRAMS
Learn how the Hortence Project allocates cost and funding, and its methodology