The Foundation’s Commitment to Measurable Impact

1. Safeguard – Quality and Regulation

Purpose: To ensure integrity, trust, and legitimacy within the assistance dog sector through independent, internationally standardized certification and registry.
Scope:

• Public Access Test and Certification Scheme (ISO/IEC 17024, DIN ISO 9001)
• Registry of qualified teams and professionals
• Quality management and data protection
• Upholding welfare and rights of both handler and dog
  Rationale:
  This area safeguards the concept itself — protecting handlers, dogs, and the public from misuse and fake IDs by offering a transparent, globally comparable certification process.

Keywords: Regulate, Certify, Validate, Protect, Qualify, Trust

2. Support – Resources and Welfare

Purpose: To sustain and empower qualified teams through tangible, lifelong support structures.
Scope:

• Veterinary and health insurance for assistance dogs
• Food stipends and other material aid
• Legal advocacy and lobbying for access rights
• Hotline and crisis support for teams
  Rationale:
  A successful partnership requires not only certification but ongoing care. This area provides the backbone for welfare and continuity — for both human and dog — during and beyond active service.

Keywords: Support, Sustain, Empower, Provide, Enable

3. Advance – Knowledge and Progress

Driving the future of the sector through education, research, and advocacy for continuous improvement and recognition.
Scope:

• Largest online bibliography on the topic.
• Research and publications.
• Public information, awareness, and policy consultation.
• Promotion of innovation in welfare and professional development.