PADA-ICofA
- Personality Assessment for Domestic Animals
PADA-ICofA (Personality Assessment for Domestic Animals) is a scientifically grounded evaluation protocol designed to assess the suitability of animals—particularly dogs—for roles in animal-assisted services such as therapy, education, and care. Developed collaboratively by Dyrebar Omsorg and the International Community of Anthrozoology (ICofA), along with researchers from Hungary including Ádám Miklósi, PADA-ICofA ensures that animals are well-suited for their intended roles, prioritizing their welfare and safety.
Purpose and Importance
Animals engaged in animal-assisted services (AAS) must be mentally and physically healthy, appropriately aged, and capable of interacting safely with diverse individuals. PADA-ICofA assessments help identify animals that are naturally inclined to thrive in such environments, ensuring both the animals' well-being and the effectiveness of the services provided.
PADA-ICofA Advisory Board
The board consists of leading experts in animal behaviour, ethology, anthrozoology, and animal-assisted interventions. It provides scientific and ethical guidance in the development and validation of the PADA-ICofA assessment framework, ensuring that the methodology remains academically robust, welfare-centred, and internationally relevant. Through its combined expertise, the board supports Dyrebar Omsorg’s objective of promoting good animal welfare and well-being for animals in human-centred roles.
Full certification course to become a PADA-ICofA evaluator. As a PADA-ICofA evaluator you can conduct personality assessments of dogs.
Certification course for conducting PADA-ICofA pre-assessment tests of adolescent and adult dogs.
Assessment Process
The PADA-ICofA evaluation simulates real-life scenarios that animals may encounter in AAS settings, such as interactions with unfamiliar people, exposure to sudden noises, and navigating new environments. The assessment focuses on observing behaviors related to sociability, fear responses, aggression, and avoidance, rather than obedience or trained commands. If an animal exhibits signs of undue stress during the evaluation, the process is halted immediately to protect the animal's welfare.
Research collaboration
We have entered into a collaboration with
- a research institute that combines scientific research with groundbreaking technology.
Together, we can ensure animal welfare and efficiency within AAS.
PADA-ICofA University Education
We have entered into a collaboration with University of North Florida.
This is a major milestone for the field of animal-assisted services internationally. We are genuinely grateful for the collaboration with UNF, and we are excited that students in the USA now have access to a scientifically anchored, ethically responsible, and high-quality personality assessment.
Applications Across Species
While initially developed for dogs, PADA-ICofA has been adapted for other domestic animals, including cats, horses, and farm animals. This broad applicability allows for the assessment of various species involved in AAS, ensuring that each animal's unique personality and capabilities are considered when determining their suitability for specific roles.
Benefits of PADA-ICofA
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Enhanced Animal Welfare: By identifying suitable roles for animals based on their inherent traits, PADA-ICofA helps prevent stress and burnout, promoting long-term well-being.
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Improved Service Quality: Matching animals to appropriate roles enhances the effectiveness of AAS programs, benefiting both the animals and the individuals they assist.
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Informed Training and Placement: Understanding an animal's personality aids in tailoring training programs and selecting optimal environments for their deployment.
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Documentation and Research: PADA-ICofA results contribute to an international database, supporting ongoing research and the development of best practices in the field.
Certification and Recognition
Animals that successfully complete the PADA-ICofA assessment receive certification, indicating their readiness for participation in AAS programs. Handlers and institutions can utilize this certification to demonstrate adherence to welfare standards and risk management protocols. In regions like Oslo, such assessments are mandated for animals working in institutional settings.
Getting Started
For those interested in evaluating their animals, PADA-ICofA offers both online preliminary assessments and in-person evaluations. The online pre-assessment provides insights into an animal's potential suitability and areas for development, serving as a preparatory step before the full evaluation, which is available for animals aged two years and older.
To learn more about PADA-ICofA assessments, training opportunities, or to schedule an evaluation, please visit the official PADA-ICofA website: www.pada-icofa.com
