The Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA) recently had the privilege of attending and speaking at the European Guide Dog Federation (EGDF) Conference, held in Espinho, Portugal. This annual two-day event brings together key figures from the assistance dog community, focusing on the important work of improving accessibility and quality of life for guide and assistance dog users across Europe.
Peter Gorbing, trustee of the ADAA, delivered two well-received presentations during the event. A leading figure in the assistance dog sector with over 25 years of experience, Gorbing's talks focused on the emerging assistance dog standards and the important role of ADAA in setting the benchmark for owner-trained partnership assessments.
Setting the Standard: CEN TC452
In his first presentation, Gorbing discussed a topic that’s critical to the future of assistance dogs across Europe: the work of CEN TC452, an initiative by the European Standards Agency that’s in the process of setting clear standards for assistance dogs. While the standards will initially be voluntary, they’re expected to form the foundation for national legislation/regulation in the coming years.
He went on to break down the work of six key working groups that are developing these standards, covering everything from dog welfare to the skills of assistance dog professionals. With the first standards expected to be published by the end of 2024, this process is set to have a lasting impact on how assistance dog services are delivered across Europe.
ADAA’s Role in Shaping the Future
The second presentation shifted focus to the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA) itself, and the role it plays in supporting high standards for owner-trained assistance dog teams. ADAA’s mission is to ensure that owner-trained partnerships and teams—regardless of whether the dog was trained through a program or another route—are assessed fairly and transparently.
Collaboration and Innovation at the Conference
Beyond the discussions on standards, the EGDF Conference was a hub of innovation and collaboration. Attendees heard presentations on cutting-edge topics like the use of artificial intelligence in guide dog training, the challenges of travelling with assistance dogs, and updates from organisations such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu), and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
Gorbing emphasised the collaborative spirit of the event: “It’s inspiring to see so many people and organisations coming together to find new ways to support assistance dog users. Whether it’s through standards, technology, or policy work, everyone here is committed to making life easier and better for those who rely on their dogs.”
About Peter Gorbing
Peter Gorbing has over 25 years of leadership experience in the assistance dog and animal-assisted services sectors. His previous roles include Chief Executive of Dogs for Good (1995-2022), President of Assistance Dogs Europe (2001-2007), and President of Assistance Dogs International (2007-2012).
Gorbing has served on the boards of ADI and ADEu, and is the Founder Director of Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII).
Currently, he is Convenor of WG4 within CEN TC452, overseeing the development of standards related to pre-training, training, and tasks for assistance dogs.
Looking Ahead
ADAA remains focused on its mission to ensure fair and effective assessments for owner-trained assistance dogs. As the European standards take shape, ADAA’s work will make sure these guidelines are applied consistently, helping to build a future where all assistance dog users benefit from the highest possible levels of support.
For more information on ADAA and our ongoing work, please visit www.theadaa.org or contact us at info@theadaa.org.
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