Thank Goodness for IAADP!

What on earth is the IAADP? It’s the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. “IAADP’s mission is to (1) provide assistance dog partners with a voice in the assistance dog field; (2) enable those partnered with guide dogs,hearing dogs and service dogs to work together on issues of mutual concern;(3) to foster the disabled person / assistance dog partnership.”

I joined in December, and received my membership card and membership information packet. Seems I can get Emmy’s heartworm, anti flea/tick and anti-intestinal parasite meds free! This is a great deal developed in partnership with the assistance dog community through IAADP, and the corporations that manufacture the vaccines. There is also a partnership with Fort Dodge, which makes the rabies vaccines, whereby I can get a certain percent off the cost.

My vet was very interested, and was delighted to participate! He dispenses the medications, and Bayer Animal Health replenishes his supply! There can be a $20 Rebate from Fort Dodge Animal Health annually for one or more Vaccinations if my vet utilizes vaccines from this large pharmaceutical company.

IAADP supports the ADI minimum testing standards:

The tester evaluates the dog’s obedience and manners and the handler’s abilities in a variety of situations which include:

1. The handler’s abilities to:

1. safely load and unload the dog from a vehicle;
2. recover the leash if accidently dropped.

2. The dog’s ability to:

   1. safely cross a parking lot, halt for traffic, and ignore distractions;
   2. heel through narrow aisles;
   3. hold a Sit-Stay when a shopping cart passes by or when a person stops to chat and pets the dog;
   4. hold a Down Stay when a child approaches and pets the dog;
   5. resist food temptations;
   6. remain calm if someone else holds the leash while the handler moves 20 ft. away;
   7. remain calm while another dog passes within 6 ft. of the team.

3. The team’s ability to: enter a public place through a doorway with the dog remaining under excellent control.

Emmy received her Advantage-Multi for 6 months today. IAADP saved me nearly $100!

I encourage all to visit the IAADP website and see the kinds of things they do for us partners!