Dog Tag Buddies Achieves Prestigious Accreditation from Assistance Dogs International

Dog Tag Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of veterans with disabilities through assistance dog partnerships, proudly announces its official accreditation by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). This remarkable achievement makes Dog Tag Buddies the first and only ADI-accredited program in Montana, solidifying its reputation as a leader in service dog training and veteran support.

ADI is the foremost authority in the assistance dog industry, dedicated to the highest standards of excellence for the assistance dog industry. Earning this accreditation demonstrates Dog Tag Buddies' adherence to ADI's rigorous Standards of Practice, ensuring exceptional quality, safety, and effectiveness in its operations.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from Assistance Dogs International," said DeeDe Baker, Executive Director of Dog Tag Buddies. "This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of veterans through the life-changing partnership of service dogs. It also underscores our role as a trusted resource in Montana and beyond."

Founded in 2015, Dog Tag Buddies is a Montana nonprofit focused on helping veterans live more fulfilling lives though training and building a relationship with their service dog. This integrative therapeutic program helps them find methods to recognize and manage the symptoms of their hidden injuries, discourages self-isolation, helps find a renewed sense of purpose and reduces suicidal ideation and risk.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Dog Tag Buddies has made a significant impact across Montana by establishing trainers in seven regions throughout the state. By removing barriers to access, the organization has been instrumental in empowering veterans and transforming lives through the human- canine bond.

Dog Tag Buddies specializes in training service dogs to perform tasks that assist with PTSD mitigation, light mobility support, and other activities of daily living. The organization provides ongoing support to both veterans and their canine partners, ensuring lifelong success for these meaningful partnerships.

Accreditation by Assistance Dogs International is a thorough peer-review process conducted over 2-4 days by a trained ADI assessor. This comprehensive evaluation ensures organizations meet ADI's stringent Standards of Practice, covering all aspects of service dog training, placement, and care. To maintain their accredited status, organizations must undergo reaccreditation every five years. Dog Tag Buddies now joins ADI's elite coalition of 166 accredited assistance dog programs worldwide.

Assistance Dogs International is a global coalition of non-profit organizations that raises, trains, and places assistance dogs to support individuals with disabilities. Its mission is to build a collaborative community that upholds the highest standards of excellence in the assistance dog industry, enhancing the lives of individuals around the world.

For more information about Dog Tag Buddies, visit https://dogtagbuddies.org. To learn more about Assistance Dogs International, visit https://assistancedogsinternational.org.