Assistance Dogs International, Inc. (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train and place Assistance Dogs. Founded in 1986 from a group of seven small organizations, ADI has become the leading authority in the Assistance Dog industry.

Members of ADI meet regularly to share ideas and conduct business regarding educating the public about assistance dogs, advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs, and the setting of standards and establishing guidelines and ethics for the training of these dogs.

ADI Summary Overview Vision Mission and Governance

ADI Organizational Chart

ADI Staff Structure Chart

Mission

ADI is a member-centric organization leading a collaborative, global community dedicated to the highest standards and excellence for human-dog partnerships.

Vision

Creating a world without barriers through exceptional human-dog partnerships and a supporting global network.

Values

Our values reflect who we are, how we behave, and what we strive for as a leader in our sector.  The principles of respect, accessibility, inclusion, and integrity are present in all that we do.  

RESPECT:  We uphold respect for all people and assistance dogs by embedding care, empathy, and emotional safety through our treatment and interactions.

INTEGRITY:  We are a non-profit, member and community-driven organization that holds ourselves accountable for exceeding expectations and being honest in our words and actions.

EXCELLENCE:  We are committed to excellent practices and excellent standards to maintain and exemplify the highest quality of services and ethical practices.

INNOVATION:  We are dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of our global community through open-mindedness, curiosity, and continuous learning to do what we do better.

COLLABORATION:  We work together in relationships based on mutual trust with everyone dedicated to creating a better future for people in partnership with assistance dogs.

Position Statements

Our position statements express our ethical standards and guiding principles across key areas of our work. These statements, often developed in collaboration with the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), reflect our commitment to the welfare, training, and treatment of assistance dogs, the respectful engagement with clients, and the importance of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive sector. These living documents evolve with emerging evidence and best practices, reinforcing our role as a global leader in setting humane, science-informed standards for assistance dog organizations worldwide.
 

 

Ethical training & care of assistance dogs Client Services and Ethics Global Assistance Dog Policy Statement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 

ADI Board of Directors

The ADI Board is made of up appointed representatives of the regional councils with additional elected At-Large members. Link to our Board members.

Regional Councils

ADI membership is divided into a number of regional councils across the world. Regional councils shall facilitate the advancement of ADI's purposes at the regional level, and develop programs and services that address the unique needs of ADI Members in the applicable region. A Regional Council exists, and members are assigned, when there are at least five ADI Accredited Members located in that region. 

Members Search

Members Search

ADI has accredited member organizations across the world. Find out where the organizations are located.
If you would like to apply for an assistance dog, please use the Members Search to find an assistance dog organization that serves your area.