INDIANAPOLISL — The Indiana Canine Assistant Network, Inc. (ICAN), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Indiana adults, children, and Veterans with disabilities through highly trained service dogs, recently announced 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.
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.