International Assistance Dog Alliance

At IADA, we are committed to setting global standards of excellence in the training, placement, and advocacy of assistance dogs. Founded to unify and elevate the work of professional assistance dog organizations, trainers, and owners, IADA fosters collaboration, supports ethical training practices, and promotes the welfare and rights of both handlers and dogs. Whether you're an organization, trainer, or handler, IADA is your partner in building stronger, more capable assistance dog teams.

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IADA was founded by Christy Scott, a passionate advocate for inclusion and ethical dog training. In 2019, Christy was advised by her doctor to obtain a service dog to assist with her severe migraines, fainting episodes, and PTSD. When searching for a migraine alert and response dog, she discovered a nearby provider charging $70,000, an inaccessible price point for many in need. Determined not to let that be the end of her journey, Christy began training her own assistance dog using free online resources such as YouTube and Instagram.

Over time, she sought mentorship under experienced service dog and sport dog trainers, dedicating herself to learning the skills necessary to train. Within two years, Christy had become the lead trainer at a local facility that focused on both behavioral rehabilitation and assistance dog work. However, after witnessing firsthand the systemic issues and barriers within the assistance dog industry and attempting to reform them from the inside, Christy stepped away and founded her own training business, Dauntless Companions.

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As she grew within the community, Christy began talking with service dog handlers, trainers, and programs alike and realized there were pressing issues at hand everything from dangerous and unqualified dogs being placed into work, to widespread discrimination, to the lack of accessible resources for those in need.

 

These conversations confirmed what she had already experienced: that the industry required systemic change and a new model of accountability, inclusion, and support.

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Through Dauntless Companions, Christy expanded into public assessments and community outreach. A simple poll on access issues sparked widespread conversation and revealed how many traditional institutions unintentionally exclude large segments of the disabled population through rigid models, exclusive marketing, and even legislative influence. Recognizing the need for a truly inclusive, independent organization, Christy decided to establish IADA as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, supported by a board of directors and consultants. This structure ensures that decisions on public issues are made collectively, with the voices of the community guiding the path forward. By creating a platform where people are truly heard, IADA works to elevate standards without restricting access.

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IADA operates without profit, ensuring its independence and unwavering commitment to equity, transparency, and global accessibility. It exists to set a new standard one that puts people and dogs first, free of financial or political interests.

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Join us in shaping the future of assistance dogs. Together, we raise the standard.