GAV centers and partner sites
Formats of local work, in-person assessments, training and support of teams in different countries and cities.
2. What a "GAV center" means
A center may mean:
- A GAV-owned site.
- A permanent partner center.
- An independent trainer working under the GAV program.
- A temporary assessment site.
- A visiting format.
- Remote support with mandatory in-person stages.
3. Types of sites
Own center
- Operates under GAV's direct management.
- Uses approved procedures.
- Keeps internal records.
- Has a designated responsible person.
- May conduct training and assessment within its authority.
Partner center
- Is a separate organization.
- Works under a contract or an agreed format.
- Is not entitled to issue certificates independently outside the GAV procedure.
- Must meet documentation and welfare requirements.
Independent trainer
- Works with teams in a specific city or country.
- May conduct sessions.
- Does not necessarily have the right to conduct the final assessment.
- Their authority must be stated publicly.
Assessment site
- Used for in-person checks.
- May be temporary.
- Does not necessarily provide training.
- Must meet safety requirements.
Visiting format
- A specialist travels to a specific city.
- Dates and terms are agreed separately.
- A visit does not mean a permanent center.
- The scope of services depends on the team and the purpose of the visit.
4. Geography and jurisdiction
GAV International Service Dog Training LLC
Jurisdiction of registration: Wyoming, United States
Operational coordination: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Partner site: Cyprus
Partner site: Belgrade, Serbia
Wyoming and Buenos Aires are not training centers — they are the jurisdiction of registration and the point of operational coordination of the organization.
5. Partner centers
GAV works with partner training centers in Cyprus and in Belgrade, Serbia. The availability of programs, in-person sessions, initial assessment and final assessment is confirmed individually for each team.
Partner Training Center — Cyprus
Type: Partner Training Center
Status: Partner location
Official contact: [email protected]
A partner training site for agreed in-person formats. Available services, the involvement of GAV specialists and the possibility of conducting an assessment are confirmed individually before the program starts.
Partner Training Center — Belgrade
Type: Partner Training Center
Status: Partner location
Official contact: [email protected]
A partner training site in Belgrade for agreed formats of in-person training and assessment. Specific services and the site's authority are confirmed separately for each team.
Partner status — what it does not mean
Partner status does not mean the site is a branch, office or separate legal unit of GAV. Available programs, assessor participation and the scope of authority are confirmed before work begins.
6. Site statuses
Active
The site has passed an internal review and may perform the stated functions.
Limited format
Only certain services are available, for example sessions or initial assessment.
Temporary site
Used for a specific event or period.
Under review
Information or authority is not yet confirmed.
Suspended
Work is temporarily stopped.
Archive
The site is no longer active, but the record is kept.
7. A center's authority
Authority must be stated separately:
- Accepting applications.
- Initial assessment.
- Training.
- Video review.
- In-person sessions.
- Preparation for public settings.
- Final assessment.
- Reassessment.
- Handling documents.
- Official response of the organization.
8. Requirements for a partner site
- Confirmed identity and qualifications of the responsible person.
- Safe conditions.
- Compliance with welfare requirements.
- Record keeping.
- Protection of client data.
- No false promises.
- No issuing of certificates outside the procedure.
- Compliance with brand rules.
- Readiness for internal review.
- Reporting of incidents and complaints.
9. Quality control
Possible mechanisms:
- Checking the specialist's profile.
- Checking documents.
- Spot review of recordings.
- Checking protocols.
- Monitoring complaints.
- Checking for conflicts of interest.
- Confirming authority.
- Repeat review of the site.
- Suspending status.
- Ending cooperation.
10. Working across several countries
- Part of the program may be remote.
- Some stages may be in person.
- The trainer and assessor may be in different countries.
- Records must be kept in a single system.
- Applicable law may differ.
- A local center cannot promise legal status in another country.
- Final rules for access and transport are determined separately.
11. Languages and communication
- Primary language of support.
- Languages the specialist speaks.
- Language of documents.
- Availability of an interpreter.
- Responsibility for accuracy of translation.
- Recording the language of the assessment.
- Medical or legal wording must not be distorted.
12. Site accessibility
Future information — published only after verification:
- Step-free entrance.
- Elevator.
- Accessible restroom.
- Waiting area.
- Parking.
- Public transport access.
- Safe space for the dog.
- Availability of a quiet room.
- Conditions for a person with limited mobility.
13. In-person assessment
- The location is agreed in advance.
- The environment must allow the necessary skills to be checked.
- Assessment must not be carried out in unsafe conditions.
- Part of the check may take place in a public setting.
- The assessor records the location and conditions.
- A temporary site does not automatically become a permanent center.
14. Complaint about a center or partner
Possible grounds:
- Rough treatment.
- False promises.
- Issuing unconfirmed documents.
- Breach of confidentiality.
- Unsafe conditions.
- Misuse of the brand.
- Refusal to record an incident.
- Conflict of interest.
- Failure to meet welfare requirements.
15. How to become a partner site
- Initial inquiry
- Providing information about the organization or specialist
- Checking qualifications
- Checking the format of work
- Discussing authority
- Checking documentation and data protection
- Agreeing welfare requirements
- A limited trial period if needed
- Written confirmation of status
- Listing in the register of centers
16. Ending or suspending status
Possible grounds
- Breach of standards.
- Inaccurate information.
- Complaints.
- Rough treatment.
- Breach of confidentiality.
- Issuing documents outside the procedure.
- Refusal of internal review.
- No responsible specialist.
- Ending cooperation.
- Risk to clients or dogs.
17. What a center cannot promise
- guaranteed certification;
- an automatic right of access;
- a guaranteed flight;
- recognition in any country;
- a medical result;
- issuing a certificate without assessment;
- lifetime status;
- external accreditation without confirmation;
- the right to use the GAV name without a valid agreement.
18. How to find a suitable format
- State your country and city
- Describe the tasks
- Report the current level of training
- State whether you can travel
- State your preferred language
- Receive the available format options
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