For 40 years, Assistance Dogs International (ADI) has been the global leader in setting the highest training, ethical and welfare standards for assistance dogs. Our international network ensures that members, assistance dog teams, service providers, supporters, volunteers, businesses and communities are #BetterTogether, creating a world of greater accessibility, life-changing impact and mutual respect. As we celebrate International Assistance Dogs Week 2026, here are six reasons why we are all #BetterTogether with ADI-certified assistance dogs.

1. ADI members and candidates benefit from 40 years of global leadership, community collaboration and benchmark standard-setting in human-dog partnerships. ADI members are part of an international community dedicated to the highest training, welfare and ethical standards. They share knowledge, experience and skills to transform the lives of the people they serve. They champion the global #Paws4Access campaign and promote disability rights and access to health and social care, employment, education, transport, hospitality and public spaces. In addition, ADI members are at the cutting edge of research and innovation in specialist fields such as behavioral science, genetics and medical detection.
2. ADI-certified assistance dog teams enjoy greater access, respect and peace of mind and are backed by the highest standards in training and care. They are supported by the #Paws4Access campaign, which actively holds service providers to account and promotes public accessibility. They enjoy more access using ADI’s Digital ID to prove they are genuine certified assistance dogs, and enjoy greater independence and opportunities to travel, socialize and work.
3. Volunteers and supporters are part of a global community dedicated to global excellence and transforming lives. They are #LifeChangers, forming the backbone of a movement that fosters independence and dignity. They can be confident that ADI members are committed to the highest levels of care and support for volunteers whether at the training center or as puppy raisers at home. ADI volunteers, supporters and donors directly enhance the independence, wellbeing and life chances of the people who need them most — and research shows that volunteer foster families and puppy raisers benefit physically and mentally from their experience.
4. Service providers, businesses and public spaces can be confident in the rigorous standards behind every ADI-certified assistance dog. Airlines, rail operators, shops, restaurants and taxi drivers enjoy total peace of mind knowing an ADI-certified dog is trained to the highest possible behavioral and operational standards. They also benefit by being part of an inclusive and accessible community welcoming ADI-certified assistance dogs — that’s good for business and good for brand reputation, demonstrating commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and setting an example for other service providers.
5. Donors, sponsors and corporate partners are #BetterTogether with ADI as they help to drive social impact and champion community values. Partnering with an ADI member allows businesses to tangibly enhance their inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility values. Financial and other support for ADI members brings corporate partners closer to their customer communities by supporting life-changing, highly ethical programs. But partnerships with a ADI members are much more than financial support: they build brand and reputation equity, foster consumer trust and goodwill, and help improve staff morale and team-building.
6. ADI-certified assistance dogs receive life-long care and support from our industry-leading welfare, training and ethical framework. Dogs trained by ADI members benefit from the highest ethical treatment and welfare standards throughout their training, working lives and retirement. ADI training programs prioritize dogs’ well-being and quality of life, provide high-quality veterinary care and ensure dogs work safely in public. In addition, many ADI members rescue, train and re-home dogs from shelters, giving them a new lease of life and providing a life-changing assistance dog for someone in need.

So now it’s official — we’re all #BetterTogether with ADI!