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About Us

MSDI Service Dogs International (MSDI) is the leading accreditation body in the service dog industry. Born out of the pioneering efforts of MSAR, we have grown into a global organization dedicated to setting the highest standards for service dog training centers worldwide. Unlike other organizations, MSDI does not train or place service dogs directly; instead, we focus on ensuring that our accredited centers provide exceptional training and service quality to those in need.

Our vision is to create a broad coalition of service dog centers and trainers to promote the field of service dogs on a global scale.

We aim to establish rigorous accreditation systems, advocate for legislation that benefits those assisted by service dogs, and develop training programs that increase the success rate of service dog placements.

Through our work, we help training centers achieve organizational effectiveness, client satisfaction, and excellence in service dog training.

Our Commitment

Our commitment to our customers is rooted in a philosophy of inclusivity and respect. We strive to provide professional assistance to all individuals, without discrimination based on race, age, ethnic origin, socio-economic status, disabilities, gender, health status, religion, political beliefs, national origin, or sexual orientation. We recognize the diversity of our client base and are dedicated to offering equitable services that meet each individual's unique needs.

Non-Discrimination:

  • We are dedicated to serving all customers fairly and respectfully, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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Legal Compliance:

  • Our commitment to adhere to all applicable laws ensures that our services are delivered within a framework of legal and ethical responsibility.

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Animal Welfare:

  • We take our responsibility to report any instances of animal bites or suspected abuse or neglect seriously, prioritizing the well-being of both the animals we train and the communities they serve.​

​Customer Autonomy:

  • We respect our customers' rights to make informed decisions about their pets' management, training, and care. While we provide guidance and ensure they understand the potential consequences of their decisions, we honor their autonomy in the process.

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Privacy and Consent:

  • We obtain explicit consent before recording any video or audio during sessions or allowing third-party observations. This respect for privacy extends to all aspects of our interactions with clients, ensuring that their personal information and experiences remain confidential unless they provide written consent to share.

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Safety and Documentation:

  • We are committed to ensuring the safety of all involved—clients, animals, and the public—during training programs. Additionally, we maintain accurate and complete documentation of all services provided, which helps us deliver consistent and high-quality care.

Professionalism & Integrity

MSDI’s dedication to professionalism is reflected in our strict adherence to ethical standards and our commitment to transparency, honesty, and continuous professional development. We believe that maintaining the highest level of integrity is crucial in fostering trust and credibility within our industry.

Insurance and Transparency:

  • We maintain comprehensive professional liability insurance and any other required insurance to protect both our clients and our organization. We are transparent about all financial arrangements and fees, ensuring that clients fully understand the costs associated with our services.

 

Accuracy in Representation:

  • We accurately present our skills, education, experience, and qualifications to clients and other professionals. We commit to not mislead the public with false claims or unauthorized use of titles, logos, or credentials.

 

Marketing Integrity:

  • Our marketing practices are truthful and representative of the services we offer. We refrain from making guarantees about specific outcomes unless we have properly coordinated realistic expectations with our clients.

Scope of Practice:

  • We work strictly within the boundaries of our professional education and expertise. When faced with complex or difficult cases, we seek consultation or help from other professionals, rather than taking on cases beyond our experience. This ensures that our clients receive the best possible care and outcomes.

 

Respect for Colleagues:

  • We foster a culture of respect and professionalism towards our colleagues and other professionals. We condemn unprofessional behavior and refrain from any actions—whether online or offline—that could be interpreted as disrespectful, derogatory, or demeaning. This includes taking a firm stand against bullying, especially in digital spaces.

Ethical Standards

Professional ethics are the cornerstone of MSDI's operations, providing a framework of principles that guide our members in their practice. These ethics are designed to ensure that all MSDI members act with the highest levels of integrity and responsibility.

Zero Tolerance for Violence:

  • Any member convicted of a criminal offense involving violence against people or animals, or engaging in activities that could lead to such prosecution, will face termination of membership and revocation of authorization.

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Animal and Human Welfare:

  • We hold a zero-tolerance policy for cruelty, abuse, or neglect towards animals or humans, and any member found guilty of such actions will face severe disciplinary actions, including the potential loss of membership.

Cooperation in Ethical Complaints:

  • We expect full cooperation from all members in the event of an ethical complaint. Failure to cooperate can result in the termination of membership.

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Right to Dispute:

  • Members have the right to dispute the termination of their membership in accordance with MSDI’s established procedures, ensuring fairness and transparency in the handling of all ethical matters.

Commitment to Improvement

At MSDI, we are committed to ongoing learning, professional development, and staying current with the latest knowledge and laws relevant to our field. This dedication ensures that we can continue to provide the highest quality services and maintain the trust of our clients and the broader community.

By adhering to these commitments, MSDI not only upholds its reputation for excellence in the service dog industry but also fosters a professional environment where ethics, responsibility, and customer care are paramount. We are proud to serve our clients with the utmost professionalism and look forward to continuing to support them in their journey.

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