A recognized benchmark of excellence in training, ethics, client services, and organizational practice.
__________________________________________________________
For more than a decade,
Retrieving Independence has been dedicated to creating life-changing partnerships between highly trained assistance dogs and the individuals who rely on them. Every step — from puppyhood to placement — is shaped by a commitment to ethical training, exceptional care, and deep respect for both our dogs and the people they serve.
Today, we are proud to share an important milestone in our journey:
Retrieving Independence is now accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).
__________________________________________________________
What Is ADI and Why It Matters
Assistance Dogs International is the global authority in the assistance dog industry. Their mission is to ensure organizations like ours uphold rigorous, consistent, and ethical standards in every aspect of their work.
ADI accreditation is an internationally respected credential — it’s not just a label, but a verification that an organization demonstrates excellence across training, welfare, operations, and client support.
For clients, families, partners, and donors, it provides reassurance: this program meets the highest benchmark of quality available.
__________________________________________________________
Inside the Accreditation Process
To earn accreditation, Retrieving Independence underwent a comprehensive, on-site evaluation performed by a certified ADI assessor. Over the course of the assessment, every layer of our program was reviewed, including:
—
Training & Canine Welfare
- Training philosophy and methodology
- Behavioral standards and public access skills
- Animal welfare practices, enrichment, and health
- Task reliability and real-world readiness
Client Experience
- Application and placement processes
- Client education and team training
- Ongoing support, follow-up, and long-term care
Organizational Standards
- Policies, procedures, and documentation
- Staff training and volunteer development
- Facility accessibility, safety, and maintenance
- Risk management, ethics, and administrative integrity
Community Engagement
- Public behavior of assistance dogs
- Outreach, education, and advocacy efforts
- This review tests not only what we do, but how consistently, compassionately, and transparently we do it.
__________________________________________________________
What This Achievement Means for RI
Accreditation reflects our commitment to excellence — a commitment shared across our entire community. It strengthens trust, opens doors for collaboration, and connects us to a global network of accredited partners working toward the same vision.
It also affirms something we’ve always believed:
when we do things the right way, our teams, our clients, and our dogs thrive.
With accreditation, Retrieving Independence moves forward with a stronger foundation and expanded opportunity — from potential partnerships to broader visibility and long-term organizational growth.
__________________________________________________________
A Milestone Shared by Many
This achievement is the result of dedication at every level:
- Trainers who work with precision, patience, and heart
- Puppy raisers and volunteers who build each dog’s foundation
- Incarcerated handlers who invest deeply in their dogs’ development
- Clients who trust us with life-changing partnerships
- Supporters and donors who sustain our mission
- The dogs — whose talent, focus, and devotion define our purpose
- & so many more who all helped us along the way!
Every one of these contributions helped shape this moment.
Thank you for helping us achieve this accomplishment! Our gratitude is endless.
__________________________________________________________
Looking Ahead
While accreditation is a milestone worth celebrating, it is not a finish line. It is a promise — to continue growing, refining, and elevating the work we do. It strengthens what has always mattered most: creating independence, dignity, connection, and lasting change through exceptional human–dog partnerships.
We are grateful, proud, and inspired for what comes next!
__________________________________________________________
Don’t Stop Retrievin’
__________________________________________________________