How Much Is a Service Dog? What You Need to Know About Service Dog Costs
Service dogs can help people with disabilities perform a wide range of tasks and improve their quality of life. While these dogs are great companions, the training and adoption process can be expensive.
So, how much is a service dog? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always clear because it comes down to how you train them, where you get a service dog and the type of condition they’re treating.
Thankfully, we’re here to help you through the process. Read on to learn about how much a service dog costs.
What Is a Service Dog?
Service dogs are highly trained dogs that help people who have disabilities. They can improve quality of life, treat symptoms, and even fetch items for their owners.
Service dogs can be trained to perform many tasks but to be considered a service dog, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they must be able to perform at least one specific task that treats the disability or improves quality of life. It’s also important that service dogs can be for mental health disorders or physical conditions.
These dogs can be almost any breed as long as they’re properly trained, which can influence the price depending on the dog.
Who Can Have a Service Dog?
Anyone can have a service dog as long as they have a physical or mental disability. Aside from having a disability, it’s important to consider your options for getting a service dog. This includes breeds, cost, and training.
Ultimately, it comes down to your condition and what you need out of a service dog. Make sure you consult with your doctor to learn more about whether or not you may qualify for a service dog.
How Much Does a Service Dog Cost?
Service dogs can be free, inexpensive, or more than $30,000. It all depends on the type of training, dog breed, and where you get the dog. Therefore, it’s important to consider these factors before you decide on a service dog.
On average, you’re looking at around $20,000 to $30,000 if you don’t train the dog on your own. Exotic breeds can also drive up the cost by a lot, especially if exotic training is required.
Read on to learn more about service dogs and how much they cost below.
How Much Does a Service Dog Cost to Train?
Service dogs can cost between a few hundred dollars and thousands of dollars depending on how they’re trained. When you train a service dog yourself you’ll need some training tools but they’re more affordable than having a professional train your service dog.
If you have a professional dog trainer or organization train your service dog it can cost between $20,000 and $30,000 depending on the type of training.
In some cases, the price can climb to about $50,000. For example, physical tasks will cost more than training a dog to learn and understand emotions. Furthermore, boarding your dog with the trainer can add more to the cost because of the housing provided.
Overall, the cost of a service dog’s training varies depending on your needs and unique situation.
Can You Get a Service Dog for Free?
Yes, you can get a service dog for free. Several organizations provide people with service dogs free of charge but there may be some exclusions depending on your background. For example, some organizations will only provide service dogs to veterans.
Additionally, some states may have non-profit programs that provide free service dogs but there might be a waiting list.
Some free options to get service dogs include:
- PAWS (Pause for a Cause)
- Guide Dogs of America
- Guiding Eyes for the Blind
- Freedom Service Dog
- Canine Companions for Independence
- Canine Partners for Life
- Little Angels Service Dogs
- Assistance Dogs International
- WAGS Inc
Depending on your state, some other options may also be available.
How Much Does a Service Dog Cost to Register?
Service dogs don’t always need to be registered, but even if you decide against it, most states will require a dog license. Regardless of the route you choose, it will cost around $50 to $200 to ensure you have the right paperwork for your service dog.
Make sure you always register your service dog with a reputable service to avoid any problems. On the other hand, expect a service dog license to cost around $100 depending on your state laws.
How Much Does It Cost to Care for a Service Dog?
The cost of care for a service dog varies based on the dog’s needs. That said, you’ll have to spend at least $300-$500 per year feeding the dog and another $1,000 to $2,000 per year to get them veterinary care.
Grooming and other costs can also add up but these depend on the type of dog and their fur. For example, long-haired service dogs like Bernese mountain dogs might require more frequent grooming that can add up to a few hundred dollars per year.
These are most of the factors you have to consider when worrying about the cost of service dogs.
Get Your Service Dog Registered Today
Service dogs can change your life but only if you let them. It’s important to get the proper training, even if it’s expensive, to make sure your dog is the right fit. Failing to properly train your service dog can have unforeseen consequences and even result in fines or other penalties.
Registering your service dog makes it easier to go into public spaces and enjoy public transportation with your companion. Make sure you get a legitimate service animal registration to ensure that you don’t have to worry about any problems.
