Vetted directory · Editorial only
Trainers we’d send a friend to.
We’ve been the trusted authority on service-animal registration since 1995. After thirty years working alongside handlers, clinicians, and the training community, we’ve learned which organizations consistently get it right and which ones to steer past.
Every organization on this directory is here because they meet our editorial bar — ADI accreditation, IAADP recognition, CCPDT- or KPA-certified lead trainers, or 10+ years of clean track record. No pay-to-list. No referral fees. If we list them, we’d send our own family to them.
Cross-state programs (anywhere in the US)
These organizations place trained dogs nationally or maintain certification directories searchable by state.
- International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) ↗
Cross-disability handler advocacy organization. Member benefits include emergency veterinary support and education resources. Not a training program — a peer organization for handlers with any service-animal type.
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers ↗
If you’re hiring an independent trainer, look for the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA credential. CCPDT’s site has a directory of certified trainers searchable by state.
- Karen Pryor Academy Trainers ↗
KPA-certified positive-reinforcement trainers, searchable by state. Strong fit for service-dog foundation work; many have specialized assistance-dog experience.
By state
States with at least one vetted listing show a count. Empty states still link through — the per-state page tells you what to do when there’s no listed organization (most often: try a neighboring state, look up CCPDT/KPA-certified independent trainers, or contact us for a recommendation).
- Alabama—
- Alaska—
- Arizona—
- Arkansas—
- California3
- Colorado1
- Connecticut—
- Delaware—
- District of Columbia—
- Florida1
- Georgia1
- Hawaii—
- Idaho—
- Illinois—
- Indiana—
- Iowa—
- Kansas—
- Kentucky—
- Louisiana—
- Maine—
- Maryland—
- Massachusetts1
- Michigan1
- Minnesota—
- Mississippi—
- Missouri—
- Montana—
- Nebraska—
- Nevada—
- New Hampshire—
- New Jersey1
- New Mexico—
- New York1
- North Carolina—
- North Dakota—
- Ohio1
- Oklahoma—
- Oregon—
- Pennsylvania—
- Rhode Island—
- South Carolina—
- South Dakota—
- Tennessee—
- Texas1
- Utah—
- Vermont—
- Virginia—
- Washington1
- West Virginia—
- Wisconsin—
- Wyoming—
