How to Get a Service Dog: Everything You Need to Know
Canines have long held the title as man’s best friend. They’re lovable and loyal, and they can provide the gift of independence. The right pooches can perform a variety of services for those with physical or mental disabilities. They can function as the eyes of their owner, guiding them on their daily commute, and they can even remind their owner to take crucial medication at a specific time, among many other tasks. However, there are many individuals with questions, searching “how do I get a service dog?”
With this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the process of how to get a service dog through fundraising and better understand the costs associated with training or adopting your own service dog.
What are the benefits of service dogs?
Aside from providing companionship, love, and independence, getting a service dog can also provide therapy in many different forms. Bringing one of these intelligent support animals into your world can benefit you in countless ways.
A service dog can assist with tasks and reduce stress, and errands like grocery shopping for food can become easier. These trained canine companions also help boost self-esteem, they are great at helping you while you’re working, and they can also keep you socially active.
How to get a service dog
There are dozens of variables to consider with service dogs, and knowing how to get a service animal can be confusing. You also have to answer the question, “Where can I get a service dog?” Fortunately, we’ve broken down the two main ways to get a service dog for you below.
Train a service dog yourself
You can work with a professional to train your pup to industry standards. Training a service dog can take anywhere from one to two years, according to Psychiatric Service Dog Partners, and typically requires professional help.
Adopt an already-trained service dog
Another easy solution for the “how to get service dog” question is to adopt an already trained service puppy through a service dog organization. To avoid any problems, it’s important to make sure the organization is accredited. Assistance Dogs International (ADI) lists thousands of accredited organizations on their website.
The different types of service dogs
After you’ve figured out how to obtain a service dog, next you need to find a service dog that can address your specific requirements. Not all service dogs are trained to perform the same tasks. This list can help you decide which type of service dog would be best for your needs.
What is a guide dog?
If you’re visually impaired, it can be critical to learn how to find a service dog. Guide dogs are specifically trained to help you safely navigate the world.
What is a hearing alert dog?
If you’re hearing-impaired, these dogs are specifically trained to identify various sounds and then alert you as needed. They can alert you to anything from the sound of a ringing phone to the sound of an approaching car.
What is a mobility assistance dog?
If you have trouble performing certain tasks, like opening doors or carrying items, a mobility assistance dog can help make life easier. Some mobility assistance dogs also focus on helping people with physical disabilities, especially those who have walking or balance problems.
What is a seizure alert dog?
Seizure alert dogs are specifically trained to know the signs. They ensure you are healthy and well and alert others if they sense you are about to experience a seizure.
What is a psychiatric service animal (PSA)?
Psychiatric service dogs have been trained to provide care to those with PTSD, a stress disorder, and other mental health concerns. These dogs are trained to sense impending anxiety attacks, among other conditions, and take action.
What is an emotional support animal (ESA)?
Emotional support animals provide comfort to people who suffer from psychiatric conditions. Because emotional support dogs don’t perform tasks, they do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Service dog facts
- Service dogs are allowed to go anywhere the public is normally allowed to go, according to the ADA.
- Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds are the most commonly trained breeds as guide dogs, according to the American Kennel Club.
- As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals, emotional support animals are no longer considered as service animals for airlines.
What is the cost of a service dog?
You’ve already overcome the hurdle of how to get a trained service dog, now you need to figure out the costs associated with them. It’s often tough to pin down the exact price of a service dog, and that’s because there can be dozens of variables. Will you buy a dog and then train it yourself? Will you train your existing dog? Will you use an organization to adopt a trained dog? Keeping these factors in mind, here are the general costs of a service dog according to Service Dog Certifications.
How much does it cost to get a service dog?
An already-trained service dog from a reputable organization typically costs anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. There are many nonprofits that offer discounts or service dogs at no charge to those in need, but you need to apply to these programs. They usually have a long wait list of a year or longer.
How much does it cost to train a service dog?
The cost of training a service dog depends on the needs and disabilities of the individual it serves. Service dog training costs can range from a few thousand dollars to over $20,000. This is because these animals are required to solve specific issues and enroll in an intense training program in order to be called service animals.
How can you find service dog financial assistance?
The high costs of service dogs can be discouraging, and it doesn’t help that insurance and Medicaid don’t cover any of these expenses. Fortunately, there are still ways to get service dog financial assistance.
FSA and HSA
If a service dog is part of your medical treatment plan, you may be eligible to use some of your FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health saving account) for help paying for a service dog. However, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible. Typically, your doctor has to write a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to show that you require an animal for your medical and health needs, not for companionship. Additionally, you can also use your FSA or HSA to buy items to help your service dog do its job such as training, food, and vet bills.
Service dog grants
Curious about how to get a free service dog? While service dogs are not usually free to get in the US, there are service dog grants that nonprofits, foundations, and businesses provide for disabled people who are eligible for a service animal. Each kind of grant differs depending on the disability type. In order to be eligible, most grants require an individual to apply and submit documentation of a verifiable disability. Check out some of the following service dog grants below:
Service dog nonprofits
If you’re wondering how to get a service dog, there are many nonprofits that want to help. Most of them require an application, a doctor’s note that specifies your disability, an interview, and a home visit. Then they’ll place you on a waitlist. The wait time can vary from a few months to a few years before you meet with a service animal, depending on the agency. These are a few reputable service dog organizations:
Crowdfunding for a service dog
The question of how to raise money for a service dog is easily answered through crowdfunding. For many, crowdfunding can be a lifeline when the high cost or long wait time of getting and training a service dog stands in the way of receiving essential help. Thousands of people have turned to GoFundMe to overcome these barriers.
GoFundMe makes it easy for friends and family to show their support so you can welcome a canine companion into your home. You can set up a fundraiser within minutes to start asking for donations for help with service dog costs.
If you’re still uncertain about how to create a compelling fundraiser, our blog has plenty of pet fundraising tips to get you started. Begin by reading about how to write an impactful fundraiser story and our comprehensive pet fundraising guide. Additionally, check out how GoFundMe works and get answers to questions about GoFundMe.
People who used crowdfunding to buy a service dog
Below are a few people who launched fundraisers through GoFundMe to bring service dogs into their lives.
Support Natalie In Bringing Her Service Dog, Ellie, Home!
Natalie is a person who loves to explore the outdoors, but unfortunately, she has become limited due to her multiple medical issues ranging from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome to severe depression. She found a canine companion named Ellie to help elevate her daily life, but the cost of the service dog was too high. Natalie started a GoFundMe and has raised over $5,000 so far to get help with bringing Ellie home and service dog training.
Help Lorenzo Gain a Lifesaving Service Dog
Lorenzo was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called an oligodendroglioma. Although he has had nearly 450 days of chemotherapy and radiation, Lorenzo still faces the risk of seizures for the rest of his life. Because of his condition, Lorenzo qualifies for a service dog to support him in retrieving help and medication when a seizure occurs. However, the costs to get a service dog are substantial. Michelle started a GoFundMe on behalf of Lorenzo to get help with the training and care of the service dog and has raised over $35,000 so far.
4 Paws for Finn!
Finn, who is autistic, sometimes wanders away without telling anyone. When he was five years old, he wandered out of the house and almost drowned. That incident caused his parents to realize that Finn needed extra help to keep him safe, so they started a GoFundMe to get Finn a specially trained autism service dog. Their fundraiser was a success, raising nearly $14,000.
Service dog fundraising for independence
Service dogs can change your life and expand your world with benefits including independence, security, and love. If you need financial assistance bringing your canine companion home or help with pet surgery costs, we’d love to lend a hand. Create your fundraiser and start animal fundraising today. Once created, don’t forget to share it via email and social media!