OUR MISSION
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides children and adults with disabilities professionally trained dogs that will increase their independence and enhance the quality of their lives. We are committed to serving people with other special needs through our Facility Dog and Community Outreach Programs. ADH is dedicated to developing the potential dogs have to assist people in need. We are fully accredited with Assistance Dogs International. Assistance Dogs and lifetime follow-up support are provided free of charge.
Our History
Will and Mo Maurer, founders of Assistance Dogs of Hawaii, started working in the Assistance Dog industry in 1995 when they realized the difficulty Hawaii residents had in obtaining Guide Dogs. They began volunteering with the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind assisting in the raising and placing of Guide Dogs with Hawaii residents.
In 2000, Mo Maurer gave up a successful career as a CPA and decided to devote herself full time to the Service Dog industry. Originally called Hawaii Canines for Independence and tailored towards helping adults with spinal cord injuries, Assistance Dogs of Hawaii has grown into an multi-faceted Assistance Dog program, and has graduated over 65 Service Dogs that are making a daily difference in the lives of their partners. Assistance Dogs of Hawaii has also placed numerous Therapy Dog Teams around the state as well as assisted in the placement of many Guide and Hearing Dog Teams.
Our Vision
The vision for ADH is to continue expanding and graduating more quality Assistance Dog Teams that help both the dogs and their partners realize their full potential. ADH is committed to creating a standard of excellence and adhering to a best practices model for the Assistance Dog Industry. Assistance Dogs of Hawaii is committed to developing and expanding the potential dogs have to assist people in need.
Our Campus
Located in beautiful Upcountry Maui, “Sadie’s Place” is a state of the art Service Dog Training Facility located on 3 acres of land surrounded by Haleakala Ranch. The facility includes indoor and outdoor training areas, offices, classrooms, kennels and housing for students and graduates.
The new training facility has allowed Assistance Dogs of Hawaii the opportunity to expand its scope and services. Programs have been established to host weekly visits from hospitals, schools, and other organizations that serve people with disabilities. An Internship Program, a Workplace Readiness Program, and Student Volunteer Programs also take place at the facility.
Accreditation:
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a coalition of not-for-profit organizations pursuing the highest standards of excellence in training Assistance Dogs. ADI has a comprehensive accreditation system and members are assessed regularly to ensure they meet the high standards set forth by ADI.
