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MSDI Membership Tiers

At MSDI, our tiered membership system is designed to cater to professionals at various stages of their careers in the service dog industry.

Each tier offers a unique set of benefits, progressively building on the previous level to provide deeper engagement, more resources, and greater professional recognition.

Below is a detailed overview of the four membership tiers.

1

Member / Supporter

Your Gateway to the MSDI Professional Community

The Basic Membership is your entry point into the MSDI network, offering valuable resources and connections that lay the foundation for your professional growth in the service dog industry.​

Benefits include:

​Exclusive Access:

  • Gain entry to a wide array of courses, seminars, and educational materials that are tailored specifically for MSDI members. These resources are designed to keep you updated on the latest trends and best practices in the field.

​

Professional Community:

  • Join a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to the service dog industry. Engage in discussions, share insights, and develop your network with peers who share your commitment to excellence.

​

Candidacy Program Eligibility:

  • As a Basic Member, you become eligible to apply for the MSDI Candidacy Program, the next step in advancing your professional journey.

Threshold Requirements:

  • Complete the membership application form.

  • Sign the MSDI declaration and commitment form.

  • Pay a non-refundable annual membership fee of $2,400.

2

Candidacy Program

Advance Your Career with MSDI’s Support

The Candidacy Program is designed for professionals who are ready to take their expertise to the next level. This tier offers enhanced access to MSDI’s resources and introduces tools that help you refine your skills and ensure your training center meets MSDI’s high standards.

Benefits include:

Advanced Resources:

  • Continue to access exclusive courses, seminars, and educational materials, with additional content focused on the candidacy process and professional development.

 

Work Protocols and Standards:

  • Receive comprehensive access to MSDI’s work protocols, standards, and additional educational materials that support your professional growth.

 

Real-Time Monitoring Tools:

  • Utilize MSDI’s online forms, allowing your training center to benefit from real-time data analysis. This includes monitoring the health status of dogs, evaluating work procedures, and improving overall efficiency.

 

Accreditation Program Eligibility:

  • After at least 12 months in the Candidacy Program, you will be eligible to apply for the prestigious MSDI Accreditation Program.

Threshold Requirements:

  • Be an active MSDI member.

  • Have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience and experience with at least 10 service dogs.

  • Certification as a service dog trainer with a minimum of 350 hours, including theoretical and practical lessons.

  • Provide 5 recommendation letters from clients and commit to MSDI’s professional standards.

  • Participate in interviews, pass theoretical and practical exams as part of the candidacy process.

  • Pay the non-refundable application fee after the initial meeting with the candidacy program director.

3

Accreditation Program

Achieve Professional Recognition and Expand Your Influence

The Accreditation Program is a mark of excellence, recognizing those who have demonstrated a high level of expertise and commitment to the service dog industry. Accredited members are seen as leaders in the field and gain significant professional benefits.

Benefits include:

Comprehensive Resources:

  • Continue to access exclusive MSDI courses, seminars, and educational materials, with specialized content to further your career.

 

Professional Tools:

  • Use MSDI’s monitoring tools to maintain high standards in your training center, ensuring optimal health and efficiency in your work processes.

 

Teaching Opportunities:

  • As an accredited member, you are eligible to deliver courses and seminars to the MSDI community, sharing your expertise with the next generation of professionals.

 

Professional Recognition:

  • Gain the right to use MSDI’s logo in your marketing materials and issue certificates bearing the MSDI seal of approval, solidifying your reputation in the industry.

 

Examiner Program Eligibility:

  • Accredited members who meet the additional criteria can apply to become MSDI examiners, further establishing their authority in the field.

Threshold Requirements:

  • Be an active member in the Candidacy Program for at least 12 months.

  • Have at least 5 years of professional experience and experience with at least 20 service dogs.

  • Certification as a service dog trainer with a minimum of 550 hours, including both theoretical and practical lessons.

  • Provide 10 recommendation letters and pass a rigorous assessment process including interviews, theoretical and practical exams.

  • Pay the non-refundable application fee after the initial meeting with the accreditation program manager.

4

Examiner Program

Become a Leading Authority in the Service Dog Industry

The Examiner Program represents the pinnacle of professional achievement within MSDI. Examiners are entrusted with the critical role of evaluating and certifying service dogs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of public access and service.

Benefits include:

Advanced Teaching and Leadership:

  • Deliver courses and seminars within the MSDI community, and contribute to shaping the future of the service dog industry.

 

Professional Status:

  • Enjoy the recognition of being listed in MSDI’s official database as a certified examiner, a mark of your expertise and authority.

 

Certification Privileges:

  • Gain the right to use the MSDI logo in all professional communications and issue certificates with the MSDI seal, underscoring the quality and credibility of your work.

 

Testing and Evaluation:

  • Qualified to conduct public access tests in accordance with MSDI standards, ensuring that service dogs are properly evaluated for their roles.

Threshold Requirements:

  • Must have completed the Candidacy and Accreditation Programs.

  • A minimum of 10 years of professional experience and experience with at least 50 service dogs.

  • Certification as a service dog trainer with a minimum of 1,000 hours of training.

  • Successfully pass theoretical and practical exams, and undergo a multi-day evaluation by MSDI representatives.

  • Pay the non-refundable application fee.

Start your Journey Here:

Each membership tier at MSDI is designed to support your professional journey, offering progressively greater resources, recognition, and opportunities to contribute to the service dog industry at the highest levels. Whether you're just starting or are an established professional, MSDI provides the tools and community you need to succeed.

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