Why we exist
Qualified assistance dog teams should be trusted, supported, and free from access barriers. Their welfare is our mission.
The assistance dog concept, however, is still young and improvised. Quality assurance, transparency, a register, or an internationally recognized diploma for assistance dog professionals are lacking.
In the past, policies were typically written by assistance dog service providers. The Assistance Dog Foundation does not train assistance dogs or form teams. Instead, we use our independent perspective and broad experience to consider all stakeholders. The goal: solid, global standards as guardrails everyone can rely on.
Core principles
- Our independence is at our core and written into our statutes.
- We base quality on standards, documentation, and continuous progress.
- All stakeholders deserve consideration.
- The welfare of the dog is non-negotiable.
- The handler is the competent lead of the assistance dog partnership.
- Our work is rigorous, transparent, fair, and humane.
- We stay clear of commercial and partisan interests.
We are based at The Hague Humanity Hub in the international city of peace and justice.
With our mission to create globally valid standards and recognition for assistance dog teams, we feel at home at The Hub’s international community of social changemakers.
Who we are
Chairwoman Roswitha Warda has supported assistance dog teams through independent nonprofit Pfotenpiloten for over a decade. Her past initiatives include DogMap.info, a national access campaign for the German government, EU initiatives, and active participation in the European standard “Assistance Dogs”. She supports Assistance Dog Foundation with her broad experience around standardization and innovative technologies, as well as established frameworks and partnerships.
The board’s secretary, Dr. Benedict Lane, is an ethicist researching the relationship between human values and social change, with a professional and personal interest in improving understandings and shifting attitudes towards our nonhuman companions and coworkers.
Treasurer, MSc. Huub Vijverberg, is a Registered Accountant (RA) and Group Finance Controller at a large company. He possesses significant experience in transparent reporting and ensuring strict compliance with rules and regulations. His personal convictions perfectly complement his professional skills. Huub is passionate about animals and driven to contribute to Assistance Dog Foundation’s mission.
The founders of the Assistance Dog Foundation on incorporation day, 11/04/25.
From left to right: Huub Vijverberg, Roswitha Warda, and Dr. Benedict Lane.
Join us
If our mission resonates with you, please drop us a line.
We would love to hear from you.
Want to join our team or volunteer? Please introduce yourself!
