On the 25th of January 2026, Assistance Dogs NI (ADNI) proudly celebrated our 15th Birthday—a milestone that reflects not only our longevity, but the profound and life‑changing impact our dogs have had on families across Northern Ireland. Often described as one of the region’s “best kept secrets,” ADNI has never wished to remain in the shadows; instead, limited funding has simply restricted our ability to purchase and train the highly skilled assistance dogs that so many people urgently need. Our waiting list for new families has been closed since 2nd September 2016—just nine months into the first year of our five‑year Big Lottery “Reaching Out & Supporting Families” programme—yet enquiries continue to arrive every single week. Behind every request is a family searching for hope, and it is this constant, heartfelt need that drives us forward. As we look to the next 15 years, we are determined to expand our reach, strengthen our support, and create even more life‑changing partnerships.

Your financial donation can make a genuine and immediate difference, as can supporting our two Social Enterprises: the Assistance Dogs NI Charity Shop in Limavady, and our Canine Intervention Programme, which brings uplifting visits throughout the province to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, children’s homes, private residences, and workplaces—each one offering a powerful boost to wellbeing for those we meet. We are also calling on individuals, community groups, and companies to stand with us by organising fundraising events or choosing ADNI as their Charity of the Year. Are you ready to take on the challenge and help transform lives across Northern Ireland? Visit our Facebook page, Assistance Dogs NI, to see for yourself the remarkable impact our work is having on the people we proudly serve.