ICAN Achieves Accreditation by Assistance Dogs International
The Indiana Canine Assistant Network, Inc. (ICAN), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Indiana adults, children, and Veterans with disabilities through highly trained service dogs, is proud to announce its reaccreditation by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). As the global leader in the assistance dog industry, ADI sets rigorous standards for excellence in training, placement, and ongoing support of service dog partnerships.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Jillian Ashton, CFRM, President of ICAN. “Being the only ADI-accredited service dog organization in Indiana is a distinction we hold with great pride and responsibility.”
Since its founding in 2002, ICAN has placed more than 300 service dogs with individuals across Indiana. What makes ICAN unique is its innovative training model: the majority of its dogs are trained by incarcerated individuals at three Indiana correctional facilities. This approach not only prepares dogs for service but also provides inmates with purpose, valuable life skills, and a meaningful connection to the community.
ICAN’s mission is further supported by a robust network of volunteers. In 2025 alone, nearly 300 volunteers contributed to outreach efforts and helped socialize and train service dogs, ensuring they gain essential experiences beyond the prison environment.
ICAN offers three specialized types of service dogs:
• Mobility Assistance Dogs: Support individuals with physical challenges by aiding in walking, retrieving items, and navigating daily tasks.
• Facility Assistance Dogs: Work in professional settings such as schools or therapy centers, enhancing services through structured interaction.
• Psychiatric Service Dogs: Provide critical support to military Veterans coping with service-related trauma such as PTSD.
Each ICAN service dog undergoes extensive training and care valued at over $30,000. Through the incredible generosity of donors and community partners, ICAN is able to provide these transformative companions at a significantly reduced cost—and at no cost for eligible Veterans.
“Our mission is to serve as many Hoosiers as possible,” Ashton added. “Affordability and accessibility are key to making that happen.”
ADI accreditation is a comprehensive peer-reviewed process conducted by trained assessors over several days. Accredited organizations must undergo reaccreditation every five years to maintain compliance with ADI’s Standards of Practice. ICAN joins a distinguished group of just 173 accredited assistance dog organizations worldwide.
About Assistance Dogs International
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit organizations that raise, train and place assistance dogs. The mission of ADI is to foster a collaborative global community dedicated to the highest standards of excellence for human-dog partnerships.
About Assistance Dogs International
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit organizations that raise, train and place assistance dogs. The mission of ADI is to foster a collaborative global community dedicated to the highest standards of excellence for human-dog partnerships.
For more information, visit www.assistancedogsinternational.org
