Service dogs are available today for a wide range of individuals with disabilities, including those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and uncontrollable anxiety. A service dog is one that has been specially trained to not only provide companionship but also to provide special treatment for a myriad of disabilities. However, this service dog training doesn’t come cheap.
Many of these dogs undergo specialized training that pertains to assisting their “person.” This training is intensive and can take a great deal of time to complete. However, many individuals can’t always pay thousands for a necessary service dog. There are ways in which you can train your own dog to become a support or service dog, but some individuals don’t have the capacity to train the dog for more specialized practices. Unfortunately, at this time, there is no financing specifically for the purchase of a service dog, but there are some neat ways to raise money for this purpose.
Article Summary
Who is able to benefit from the presence of a service dog?
Just a few decades ago, virtually the only time a human had a service dog as if that person was visually impaired. However, gains in mental health as well as understanding how other physical disabilities can benefit from the presence of a service dog have caused a boom in this area. Today, people with mental health disabilities as well as those with seizures and hearing-impaired individuals can benefit from the presence of a service dog.
Guide dogs or seeing-eye dogs are still one of the most common types of a service dogs. These dogs always travel with their “person,” and they assist them both inside and outside the home as well. However, those who are considered hearing impaired can now benefit from owning a service dog as these dogs are specially trained to alert their owners to a knock at the door or other noises around the home. These dogs are called “signal dogs.”
Perhaps one area that is growing tremendously with a need for service canines is in people who have seizure disorders. These people are not able to live independently without the presence of their service dog. The dogs are often trained to look for cues that lead up to a seizure in their “person,” giving the individual time to get to a “safe place” before the seizure ever occurs.
Some dogs are trained to become sensory signal dogs. These dogs typically work with autistic individuals so that they learn how to curb the urge to engage in repetitive movements. A person with tics or even Turret’s Syndrome can benefit from the presence of these dogs.
Another area in which the need for service dogs is exploding is the area of psychiatric service dogs. They work with individuals plagued by all types of mental disabilities, from PTSD to agoraphobia to anxiety. The dog is not only able to detect when an episode is about to present itself, but they also provide comfort and companionship at all times.
Emotional Support Dogs or Therapy Dogs
Although many medical professionals are beginning to utilize Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) or therapy dogs for treatment, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not recognize these animals as service dogs. The reason the ADA does not give this designation to the animals is that many of them have not received the specialized training that a guide dog or a signal dog would receive.
Even so, these dogs provide a great service to their handler. In fact, much anecdotal evidence shows great improvements in the lives of individuals suffering from mental disabilities when they are provided one of the emotional support dog breeds.
Therapy dogs are also utilized in hospitals and in hospice settings for patients who are prone to depression or anxiety related to their physical health. These dogs usually make scheduled visits to healthcare facilities to visit with patients and hopefully provide some positive interaction for seriously ill individuals.
Is it possible that I could train my own service dog?
Many pet owners ask, how can I make my dog a service dog? That depends on how experienced you are with training dogs and on what you wish to train the dog to do.
Some people with disabilities will work toward adopting a service dog that has already been trained, but these dogs are often hard to find. Then there are pet parents who are more than able to train their own dogs for service duty.
Thirdly, there is the idea that you can hire someone to train your personal dog for service.
If you decide to purchase a dog that is already service trained, then you can begin utilizing these benefits immediately. If you decide to do service dog training yourself, first, you must determine whether the dog is truly a candidate for service training. If your dog would fit your criteria, then training the dog on your own could take a matter of months or even over a year to carry out, so one must consider this when training a dog.
How much does it cost to purchase a trained service dog?
Dogs that have been professionally trained to be service dogs have undergone years of training in order to carry out their duties. These dogs are worth more because of the pay that trainers receive. So, how much does a service dog cost? The National Service Animal Registry states that the average cost of a service dog is currently between $15,000 and $30,000. However, some service dogs can cost $50,000 to purchase.
Must I purchase a previously trained dog in order for my service dog to carry this designation?
No. Neither the ADA requires a service dog to be professionally trained, nor does the National Service Animal Registry [1]. So, you could train your own dog at home, or you could hire the assistance of a professional trainer to help you get Fido trained properly.
One place to look for assistance in training a dog you already own is the Canine Good Citizen program, which is sponsored by the American Kennel Club. This online source offers training tips for your dog as well as the ability to participate in certification programs without having to hire a professional trainer or purchase a previously trained service dog.
If you do choose to hire a professional to train your own dog, then the trainer may charge between $150 and $250 per hour to train your dog. If you have a dog that is highly intelligent and has already proven to be eager to learn, then you may be able to get a properly trained dog without having to fork out a lot of money. This is why you should determine whether your dog is actually a good candidate for training.
Is owning a service dog more costly than owning a “pet”?
There are expenses associated with having a dog no matter whether Fido is a working dog or just a companion. You’ll have to spend money on quality dog food and vet care for your dog, both of which can add up to about $700 per year. Of course, you’ll want to consider preventative medication such as heartworm treatment and any vaccinations your dog may need. These can add up quickly as well.
You will also need to consider other necessary (and sometimes unnecessary) supplies that any dog could want and need. Things like dog toys and dog beds are little necessities that many pet parents don’t consider in the overall cost of the dog. Most pet parents spend about $100 per year on supplies for Fido, regardless of service status.
I’m aware that there are little to no financial forms of assistance for those who need a service dog. How else can I get the money for a service dog?
1. Fundraising
In the age of “Go Fund Me” sites as well as social media platforms that allow folks to reach out to a much larger audience, one can start a fundraising campaign to get the money for a previously trained service dog. Many people have generous hearts and love to help others; they also tend to have a soft spot when it comes to dogs that help people live better, happier lives.
2. Grants or nonprofit assistance
To be clear, it can be difficult to write a grant on one’s own. There is a long process full of “red tape” that can make writing a grant an insurmountable task for the average Joe. However, look into local nonprofit organizations and churches to inquire if they have knowledge of any grants in place to help provide people with a service animal.
3. Home equity loan
You’ll notice this is one of the last on the list of financial assistance. However, if you need a service animal and don’t have another avenue in which to finance the purchase of a well-trained dog, a home equity line of credit could be a way to finance a service dog.
FAQs
1. Does insurance pay for service dogs?
No. Unfortunately, no health insurance, whether private or Medicare/Medicaid will pay for the purchase of a service dog. However, those who have a Health Savings Account can check with their provider to determine if they can utilize those funds to go toward the cost of purchasing a service dog.
2. How much does it cost to make your dog a service dog?
That really depends on the individual situation. Some dogs (already owned by the individual) can benefit from the assistance of a personal trainer. However, this may cost the owner between $150 and $250 per hour of training time. Then again, there are some pet parents who are able to train their own dogs, and the certifications one can find online are relatively inexpensive.
3. How much is a service dog for anxiety?
Much of this will depend on the amount of training put into the dog to get her trained properly for that specific illness. Emotional Support Animals often do not have the specific training a guide dog or a signal dog might have to undergo; therefore, making them much cheaper than other types of service dogs.
