Our Goals and Work
The Association of Assistance Dogs SA (AADSA) is a voluntary coalition made up of various assistance dog organizations dedicated to supporting the use of highly trained assistance and guide dogs. The coalition’s members are committed to upholding the highest international standards in the training, welfare, and care of these dogs, ensuring that they meet rigorous guidelines to provide the best support to those who rely on them.
Their expertly trained dogs provide essential support to individuals with disabilities, including guide dogs for vision impairments, medical alert dogs, autism assistance dogs, and hearing dogs. These life-changing—and often life-saving—companions enhance independence, confidence, and overall well-being, fostering greater inclusion and accessibility in society.
What We Do
AADSA is dedicated to advancing the education of the general public and service providers about assistance dogs and the essential rights of individuals who rely on these dogs for support. Our mission is carried out by fostering collaboration among our member organizations, enabling them to come together and share their collective knowledge, experiences, and expertise. This collaboration helps create a wide range of informative resources and practical guidance designed to raise awareness and educate about the vital role of assistance dogs in society.
In addition to supporting public and organizational education, AADSA encourages its members and candidates to work closely with one another. By pooling their knowledge, skills, and expertise, they gain a clearer understanding of what best practices in the field of assistance dogs look like. This shared learning process allows them to not only recognize these best practices but also to work collaboratively to implement them, improving services and standards for those who rely on assistance dogs.
Furthermore, AADSA is committed to promoting and celebrating the impactful work of its members. Through highlighting the life-changing difference that assistance dogs make in the lives of individuals with disabilities, AADSA underscores the profound and lasting contributions these dogs and their handlers provide to society, offering both independence and support to those in need.
How we do it
We act as an umbrella body for our members and candidates and work with them to advance our charitable aims by;
- providing education and awareness-raising
- producing resources and guides
- providing training
- campaigning for better access for assistance dog users
- developing and participating in research and evidence
- sharing good practice
- celebrating and promoting the benefits of a standards-based approach to assistance dog training and welfare
AADSA does not claim to represent all assistance dog charities or owners. Not all assistance dogs in the RSA will have been trained by an AADSA member.
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