XENIA, OHIO, February 17, 2026 – We are thrilled to announce that we are officially accredited through Assistance Dogs International (ADI), becoming one of only five accredited organizations in Ohio.
With more than 2,000 service dogs placed since 1998, this announcement represents the life-changing work our staff and volunteers continue to do.
Senior Director of Canine Health, Dr. Ruth Keller, DVM, says, “I am most proud of the confidence the public can have in utilizing our organization for superior service dogs as we continue our life-changing work here at 4 Paws.”
4 Paws Executive Director, Jennifer Lutes, emphasized “the strengths of 4 Paws for Ability were evident throughout the completed accreditation report that was submitted to the Accreditation Review Committee (ARC). The ARC unanimously approved the assessor’s recommendation for a five-year reaccreditation. ADI accreditation represents a significant achievement for the staff and management of 4 Paws for Ability. It is indicative of your organization’s strong commitment to upholding the highest professional standards of excellence within the Assistance Dog Industry.”
Assistance Dogs International, Inc. (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit programs that train and place Assistance Dogs. Founded in 1986 from a group of seven small programs, ADI has become the leading authority in the Assistance Dog industry.
The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of selection, training, placement and utilization of assistance dogs. Accreditation by ADI is a peer-review process. It is a uniform method by which ADI member organizations can achieve compliance with the operational standards of excellence established by ADI.
Participating organizations undergo an on-site assessment conducted by highly-skilled assessors. During the course of the visit, assessors interview organization staff, volunteers, the Board of Directors, assistance dog applicants, and clients. Assessors inspect a variety of the organization’s documents and records as well as their facilities. Additionally, assessors observe dog training as clients working with their assistance dog partner.
For Jess, her son Jeffrey, and 4 Paws for Ability Service Dog Thor, life with an accredited service dog means freedom in a world that once was nearly impossible to navigate. “Wherever in the world their gigantic dreams, goals, and adventures take them, they’ll be able to travel together with fewer obstacles faced by varying protections and laws,” says Jess.
We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and even more thankful to all of the individuals who have supported our mission. 4 Paws for Ability Executive Director Jennifer Lutes says, “I am proud that 4 Paws for Ability is now a member of ADI and can continue to collaborate with other organizations as we continue to impact the service dog community.”
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About 4 Paws for Ability
4 Paws for Ability is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities by placing life-changing service dogs. We strive to be good stewards of the money, time, and other gifts given by our generous clients, volunteers, community members, corporate partners, and donors.
For more information about 4 Paws for Ability, please visit 4PawsForAbility.org.