Professional Service Dog Training for Canadians
CADI provides individualized, professional service dog training programs for individuals with disabilities. Our CCPDT-certified trainers deliver comprehensive training that meets ATPDR requirements for Canadian air travel.
Individualized Training, Professional Results
We provide direct, hands-on service dog training with certified professionals who specialize in assistance dog education.
What Sets CADI Apart
Canadian Assistance Dog Institute was founded on a simple principle: every person with a disability deserves access to professional-quality service dog training. Our trainers hold the highest certifications in the industry and bring decades of specialized experience.
Unlike certification-only services, CADI provides direct, individualized training where our certified professionals work one-on-one with each handler and dog team. This approach ensures your service dog is properly trained to perform specific tasks that assist with your disability-related needs.
Direct trainer involvement in all training programs
Task-specific training tailored to your disability-related needs
Handler education so you can maintain training long-term
ATPDR-compliant documentation for air travel
Service Dog Training Programs
Comprehensive training programs for psychiatric, medical alert, and mobility assistance dogs.
Psychiatric Service Dogs
Specialized training for dogs that assist individuals with mental health disabilities including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more.
- Deep pressure therapy
- Grounding & interruption
- Anxiety response
- Safe space guidance
Medical Alert Dogs
Training for dogs that detect and alert to medical conditions such as diabetes, seizures, and other physiological changes.
- Blood sugar alerts
- Seizure response
- Medication reminders
- Emergency response
Mobility Assistance Dogs
Training for dogs that provide physical assistance to individuals with mobility impairments and physical disabilities.
- Balance assistance
- Retrieval tasks
- Door/light operation
- Wheelchair assistance
ATPDR-Compliant Documentation for Air Travel
Canadian airlines require specific documentation for service dogs under the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations (ATPDR). CADI provides complete, compliant attestation documents that satisfy all airline requirements.
Meet Your Trainer
CADI's training programs are led by certified professionals with advanced degrees and decades of experience.
Karen Robertson, M.S., CPDT-KSA
Lead Trainer & Founder
Karen brings over 20 years of professional service dog training experience and holds a Master of Science from Bergin University of Canine Studies--the world's premier institution for assistance dog education. Her CPDT-KSA certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers represents the highest standard in the profession.
Ready to Start Your Service Dog Journey?
Contact us to discuss your needs and learn how CADI's professional training programs can help you gain independence with a properly trained service dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you understand your rights and our services.
What is CADI?▾
Do I need to certify my service dog in Canada?▾
What types of service dogs does CADI train?▾
Can I train my own service dog in Canada?▾
How does CADI verification work?▾
What is the Canadian Assistance Dog Institute?▾
CADI is an independent organization that evaluates and certifies assistance dogs in Canada. CADI reviews provincial training compliance and provides certification recognized across Canadian provinces. CADI partners with TheraPetic Canada for clinical documentation services.
What are the provincial requirements for assistance dogs in Canada?▾
Each Canadian province has different requirements. Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec each maintain separate standards. CADI evaluates teams against the applicable provincial standards.
Who reviews Canadian training submissions?▾
Karen Robertson, MS, CPDT-KSA #58327 — the Canadian Training Reviewer for TheraPetic Healthcare Provider Group. Karen holds a Master's degree and is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
How do I verify a CADI certification?▾
Verify at verify.assistancedoginstitute.ca using the verification code on the document. Contact krobertson@assistancedoginstitute.ca or 514-312-6751 for questions.
Is CADI the same as TheraPetic Canada?▾
No. CADI and TheraPetic Canada are two separate organizations. TheraPetic Canada provides clinical documentation. CADI provides training evaluation and certification. Together they offer a complete pathway for Canadian handlers.
Do I need CADI certification for my assistance dog?▾
Requirements vary by province. Some require specific certifications for public access. CADI certification provides additional credibility for handlers seeking the highest recognition standard.
Is CADI available in French?▾
Yes. CADI services and evaluations are available in English and French across all Canadian provinces including Quebec.
What training standards does CADI use?▾
CADI evaluates against provincial standards, international best practices from Assistance Dogs International, and task-specific competency assessments covering obedience, public access readiness, task performance, and handler-dog team coordination.
