Quality Assurance Standards

Dogs4Diabetics is a member of and fully-accredited by Assistance Dogs International. Accordingly, it has been subjected to a thorough review of all aspects of it operation, including client selection, training and support; dog training, certification, follow-up and re-certification. See the Assistance Dogs International website for additional information.

Our dogs are primarily obtained through generous community partnerships with Guide Dogs for the Blind of San Rafael. We have also received dogs from Canine Companions for Independence. We obtain mature dogs that have been appropriately socialized and trained from eight weeks of age for the purpose of being an assistance dog. They are evaluated prior to acceptance into the Dogs4Diabetics program, to determine if they have the proper disposition and aptitude for our organization. Their socialization and training capabilities are fully maintained and enhanced by Dogs4Diabetics.

We are committed to providing dogs that meet and exceed expected behavior characteristics of assistance dogs. Due to the gravity of their work in providing medical alerts on their handler's hypoglycemic episodes, our dogs are trained and monitored to specifically established standards of performance through all steps in their training. If a dog's behavior or scenting capabilities do not reach the standards prior to placement with a diabetic, it is released from the program and returned to the donating organization.

Our diabetic clients receive extensive training in dog handling, care and use of the medical alert dog. The current training program consists of a minimum of 20 weekly training sessions and monthly community outings.

As a dog is placed with a diabetic handler, it is initially a trial placement with expected training to follow at our training center and eventually in the home. This period can last for up to a year. The client and the dog have individual responsibilities. Blood sugar monitoring and alert performance records are maintained daily and reported weekly. The teams are not graduated until a required level of alerts are reached and sustained over a period of time. If a team is not successful, the placement is re-evaluated and efforts are made to help the team succeed or find another placement alternative. This is all completed through an extensive follow-up program with professional trainers and appropriate medical consultation.

Annual re-certifications are performed over the working life of the dog, covering dog behavior and handling, as well as hypoglycemia alerting capabilities. Our certified assistance dogs are identified in the community with a professional Dogs4Diabetics jacket.