Not-for-profit assistance dog organizations interested in joining ADI may do so as a Candidate organization. Candidate organizations are established not-for-profit or charitable organizations that are working toward achieving Accredited Member status. Candidate status is designed as a structured pathway that supports organizations in aligning with ADI Standards through education, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices. Candidates are part of a global network committed to continuous improvement and excellence in the assistance dog industry.

Candidate organizations may apply to begin the accreditation process after a minimum of two years in good standing. They are expected to achieve full compliance with ADI Standards and complete accreditation within five years of entering the Candidate program.  During this period, Candidate organizations are working toward full alignment with ADI Standards and may be at different stages of implementation.

Please review the Summary of Standards before seeking candidacy. 

Candidate Organization Privileges:

  • Networking and education with international assistance dog organizations from around the world.
  • Access to the Candidate Benchmark Program, a structured educational program designed on LMS to provide a roadmap to full member accreditation by breaking down the accreditation process and standards into bite size pieces with samples and examples.
  • Support of our staff and accredited members to assist with further developing their operations to meet ADI Standards and complete the accreditation process.
  • Access to the Candidate Area on the ADI website containing educational resources.
  • Attend ADI Conferences, seminars, and business meetings as observers. Candidate organizations are also invited to attend the ADI Regional events and meetings.
  • Receive the ADI ENewsletter.
  • Participate in ADI’s networking groups and closed Facebook Group Pages (ADI Client Services, ADI Communications/Marketing, ADI Directors, ADI Training Group, ADI Puppy Raiser Managers, ADI Prison Based Groups, Rescue/Shelter Groups, etc.)
  • Organization listing and link to their website from ADI’s website.

Candidate Organization Limitations:

  • May not state their graduate teams are "ADI Certified." 
  • May not use the ADI logo, claim that they are a member of ADI or that they meet ADI Standards.
  • Do not have voting rights within ADI.
  • Are not allowed to nominate any individual, nor have a representative stand for elected positions or committee membership with ADI.

A yellow Labrador Retriever is sitting next to a young girl in a wheelchair. The dog is sniffing the girl's hand. The dog is wearing a blue assistance dog vest.

Criteria for Becoming a Candidate Organization:

  1. Organization is a nonprofit or charitable organization.
  2. Organization meets the Four Guiding Principles:
    • Under no circumstances can an organization be a member unless it has direct responsibility for the operational training and placing of assistance dogs and assures the long-term support of the clients and dogs.
    • The overall ethics of the organization must be “charitable” and must be stated by the organization.
    • Where several separate structures/entities work together, only the structure/entity as described subs 1 and 2 can apply for membership.
    • Where several separate structures/entities work together, and do the same activities, the “charitable” entity applying for ADI membership, must be clearly differentiated from the “for profit” one(s), so no confusion between the different entities is possible. If you have a for profit dog business in addition to a nonprofit/charitable assistance dog organization, please contact us before applying.
  3. Organization has a name that meets ADI Board approval and cannot contain any terms that could mislead the public, such as certified accredited, approved, qualified, etc.
  4. Organization has a website that is updated and current with all information, including contact information.
  5. Organization has placed a minimum of five assistance dog teams (guide, hearing, service dogs) that have worked successfully for a minimum of one year under their current operating program.
    • Facility dogs and companion dogs do not count toward this goal.

Candidate Application Process

 The process to become a Candidate Organization includes multiple steps. Learn more about the Candidate Application Process.

Learn More
A young boy is holding a handle attached to a blue assistance dog vest on a yellow Labrador Retriever. An adult woman is walking behind the boy and dog holding the dog's leash. The team is on a baseball field and the people are wearing uniform shirts.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Gabi Silva, Operations Specialist
[email protected]

In Europe, please contact:

Steph Atkin, ADEu Development Coordinator
[email protected]