FAQ.

How does the application process work?

Once you have submitted your application, the ADAA will review the information and provide you with a response. If your application is accepted, we'll arrange a video-based pre-assessment interview to discuss the assessment process and address any concerns or queries you may have. It's important to note that submitting an application does not guarantee automatic acceptance for an assessment.


 

What conditions do you assess dogs to help with?

Some of the conditions we assess dogs for are (but not limited to):
- Physical disability
- Autism
- Mental health conditions including PTSD, Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety
- Medical detection for epilepsy, non epileptic seizures and diabetes

While we do provide assessments for clients with these conditions, we highly recommend partnering with a supporting charity/specialist trainerorganisation to assists with training for these conditions. 


 

What is an assistance dog "task"?

An assistance dog task is a behaviour that a dog is trained to do to mitigate their handler's disability. Examples of tasks include but are not limited to: 

- Deep Pressure Therapy
- Guiding
- Blocking/creating space
- Finding exits
- Alerting a handler to a seizure/medical episode before it happens
- Picking up dropped items
- Finding specific items such as phones or medication bags
- Locating a person in an emergency medical situation
- Pressing an alert button in an emergency

We require our dogs to be able to perform a minimum of three specialist tasks to help their handlers


 

Why has my application been rejected?

If your application is rejected, it could be due to various reasons such as the dog's age falling outside our parameters, health concerns with the dog, the dog not being trained to assist with at least 3 tasks or your medical condition not aligning with our current remit. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we're unable to provide individual feedback, and all rejections are final.


 

Do you receive any government funding?

ADAA operates without government funding and relies solely on voluntary donations and fundraising efforts to continue providing assessments, support to teams, and education to service providers.


 

Do you assess dogs overseas?

ADAA is a UK based charity and we only assess dogs on UK soil. Applicants can apply from abroad but must make their own way to the UK if they wish to book an assessment with us.


 

You have asked for a fee to be paid for the assessment?

 

While we do request a small donation to cover a portion of our costs for assessments, this fee only represents a fraction of the total expenses incurred. Each assessment costs ADAA approximately £150, and we ask for a contribution of £50 (+ £2 processing fee). This fee is non-refundable, and any additional assessment untaken in the future will be chargeable.


 

What does the assessment donation cover?

The £50 or £75 for aviation donation (+£2 processing fee) covers the assessment in full. Successful teams receive their Qualified Assistance Dog Certificate, and an ADAA lead slip as part of this contribution.

 

Do I have to pay to apply?

Yes, the fee is payable upon application submission


 

If I fail the assessment, can I be reassessed?

Yes, once any feedback from your previous assessment has been addressed.


 

Do I have to pay a fee to be reassessed?

Yes, you will need to pay the same fee for each assessment.

 

Why do you provide ID cards?

We offer ID cards as an optional resource for teams who pass their assessment (for a small additional fee). Although not a legal requirement, some clients find ID cards helpful if faced with access challenges. 


 

Can I pair the ADAA lead slip with my assistance dog's current vest

Yes, our lead slips can be paired with owner-trainer vests or vests from other charities/organisations, providing flexibility and recognition in various settings.