ADI is a coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train and place assistance dogs. ADI accredits programs to ensure that they adhere to the highest standards in all aspects of their operations, including ethical treatment and training of dogs, ethical treatment of clients, solid service dog training, and follow-up care.

Accreditation is a peer-review process that involves submission of paperwork in advance (a pre-packet) of an on-site survey by a trained accreditation assessor. The on-site survey is conducted over several days and includes the assessor interviewing staff, clients, volunteers, and board members; reviewing paperwork and files; observing clients and dog training; and inspecting the program’s facilities in order to make sure that all of ADI’s Standards are being met. All programs are required to be re-accredited every five (5) years in order to maintain their ADI accreditation membership status. By passing ADI’s voluntary and rigorous peer-reviewed accreditation process, Saint Francis Service Dogs cements its commitment to placing high quality service dogs and providing strong programs in the state and region.