ADI launches #BetterTogether campaign for assistance dog standards

Assistance Dogs International is rolling out the #BetterTogether campaign during International Assistance Dog Week 2026 to promote high training and welfare standards for assistance dogs. The effort aims to expand public access and protect disabled people, businesses and working dogs from the harms of fake service animals, discrimination and poor understanding of the law.

Why it matters: - Assistance dog teams with ADI-certified training can improve access, independence and travel for disabled people. - ADI says high standards also protect businesses, the public and the dogs themselves by setting expectations for ethical training, welfare and inclusion. - The campaign comes as disability advocates and assistance dog teams still face barriers in transport, restaurants, hospitals and other public places.

What happened: - Assistance Dogs International launched the #BetterTogether campaign ahead of International Assistance Dog Week, set for 2-8 August 2026. - The campaign spotlights disabled people gaining greater access, freedom and independence with ADI-certified assistance dogs. - ADI is promoting the campaign through social media posts and partnerships with global brands, including international airlines, ride-share companies and travel operators.

The details: - ADI Executive Director David Locklin said the campaign highlights teamwork between disabled people, their assistance dogs, ADI member organisations, staff, volunteers, supporters and business partners. - Locklin said ADI standards have been developed over 40 years and set a benchmark for ethical training, welfare, breeding and inclusion. - ADI Chair Danny Vancoppernolle said high standards "literally open doors" for disabled people and their assistance dogs. - Vancoppernolle said businesses and service providers can welcome an ADI-certified assistance dog team with confidence. - ADI said some assistance dog teams are blocked from access because of badly behaved fake service dogs, poor understanding of legislation and discrimination. - ADI standards cover breeding, training, working lives and retirement. - Many ADI members rescue dogs from shelters and train them for assistance work. - ADI-certified teams are supported by the #Paws4Access campaign and the ADI Digital ID, which proves the dogs are genuine assistance dogs.

Between the lines: - The campaign is also a public education effort, aiming to make access rules clearer for restaurants, transit operators, hospitals and other venues. - ADI is framing access as a rights issue, not just a customer-service issue, by tying mobility and inclusion to recognized standards. - The emphasis on fake service dogs suggests the organization sees credibility and compliance as central threats to access.

What's next: - ADI will post #BetterTogether stories throughout International Assistance Dog Week. - The organization expects its member partnerships to keep pushing for more accessible transport, hospitality and leisure venues. - ADI says people can contact its communications consultant or use its website to find the nearest member organisation.