AACA Standards

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The AACA Standards have been established as the gold standard for assessing excellence in goal-based animal-assisted interventions, specifically Crisis Response Canines and Community Response K9s. Agencies certifying their canines to AACA standards must ensure that all training for both the dogs and their handlers meets high-quality benchmarks.

Adhering to these standards guarantees that members of Crisis Response and Community Resource K9 teams receive the necessary training to operate effectively in a diverse range of environments.

• Professional canine teams that meet established standards and are properly trained and evaluated.
• Handlers who are professionally trained to support individuals experiencing intense emotions after critical events.
• An established a nationwide network of canine and handler teams that meet standards and can provide mutual support.

The AACA Standards Committee is dedicated to the continuous enhancement of these standards throughout the year. The committee regularly reviews and evaluates the standards to ensure alignment with contemporary industry practices, while prioritizing the progressive development of goal-oriented canine interventions.

AACA offers a summary of its standards for review. Organizations aspiring to achieve accreditation from AACA will receive access to the complete handbook of standards and additional pertinent documents upon approval. Government agencies and educational institutions have the flexibility to request tailored standards as necessary for particular projects.

To request the paperwork for accreditation, please contact  member@animalassistcanineacademy.org