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 give the gift of independence. The right pooches can do all manner of things for people with physical or mental disabilities. They can act as their owner’s eyes, helping them with their lives and daily commute, they may even ensure their owner takes essential medication at a scheduled time, to name just a few things. There is one thing everyone knows about service dogs…they are amazing! But what many people are left thinking is “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, how fundraising can help, and better understand the costs associated with training or adopting your own service dog.
Crowdfunding for a Service Dog
The question of how to raise money for a service dog is easily answered through crowdfunding. For some, crowdfunding can be a lifeline when the high price or the lengthy process of obtaining and training a service dog is all that stands in the way of obtaining crucial help.
GoFundMe makes it easy for friends, loved ones, and family to show their support so you can welcome a canine companion into your home. You can set up a fundraiser within minutes and 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. Check out how GoFundMe works to find out more about what you can expect, tips, and answers to questions.
Join the millions of people who have used GoFundMe to fundraise for their cause.
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. Fortunately, we’ve broken down the two main ways to get a service dog for you below.
Train a Service Dog Yourself
You can hire a pro to train your puppy to industry standard. It can take between one and two years of training per the Psychiatric Service Dog Partners (PSDP), and usually requires professional assistance. Puppy raising programs are a great place to start if you’re considering training your own guide dog puppy.
Adopt an Already-trained Service Dog
Another answer to the question “how to get a service dog” may simply be by adopting an already trained service puppy from a service dog organization. To avoid any issues, it is super important that the organization be accredited. You can find thousands of accredited organizations on the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) website. Groups like The Seeing Eye provide fully trained guide dogs to blind people who desire greater independence.
The Different Types of Service Dogs
Once you’ve worked out where to get a service dog, the next step is to select a service dog that can meet your specific needs. Service dogs do not all do the same thing equally. This list can be a guide for which type of service dog may be best for you.
What is a Guide Dog?
For people who are visually impaired, finding a service dog can be essential. A guide dog, like those trained by The Seeing Eye, has been professionally trained to help guide you safely around the world.
What is a Hearing Alert Dog?
Trained to alert you to different sounds, they can notify you about anything from the sound of ringing phones to the sound of an oncoming car.
What is a Mobility Assistance Dog?
If you have difficulty moving at all, including even opening a door, these dogs are trained to assist by providing physical support.
What is a Seizure Alert Dog?
These dogs can predict when a seizure is going to happen, and then alert others to the fact that a seizure is occurring or is about to occur.
What is a Psychiatric Service Animal (PSA)?
Psychiatric service dogs are there for those suffering with PTSD or a stress disorder and other mental health issues. These dogs are trained to detect before an anxiety attack or other emotional and mental episodes.
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
ESAs offer comfort but aren’t considered service animals under the ADA.
Service Dog Facts
- The ADA permits service dogs in public places.
- The most trained breeds are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, according to the American Kennel Club.
- Emotional support animals are no longer defined as service animals for airlines.
What is the Cost of a Service Dog?
You’ve already figured out how to get a trained service dog; now you just need to determine service dog costs.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Service Dog?
It can cost $25,000–$50,000 to purchase an already-trained dog. This life-changing companion almost always arrives with years of specialized training, and thatʼs why this amazing friend has such a hefty price tag.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?
Training fees range from several thousand dollars up to $20,000 or more, depending on the type of service. That includes equipment, instruction, and even time from trainers.
How Can You Find Service Dog Financial Assistance?
FSA and HSA
If your doctor provides a Letter of Medical Necessity, your FSA or HSA may cover the dog, vet bills, and training.
Service Dog Grants
Some organizations offer grants or sponsorships to assist with service dog costs. Grants are often based on specific disabilities or medical needs. Here are a few orgs that offer grants:
Service Dog Nonprofits
Nonprofits such as Guide Dogs for the Blind and Duo Dogs offer placement support and often work with puppy raisers. They also provide volunteer opportunities.
Special Events and Partnerships
Hosting special events or forming partnerships with local businesses can help raise money. Companies may offer sponsorship or workplace giving events to assist.
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 $6,000 so far to get help with bringing Ellie home and service dog training.
Help Lorenzo Gain a Lifesaving Service Dog
Lorenzo had been found to have a rare brain tumor, an oligodendroglioma. Despite nearly 450 days of chemotherapy and radiation already behind him, Lorenzo still stands a chance of suffering from seizures 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 offer life-changing help and companionship. If you need to raise money for a guide dog puppy, are considering becoming a puppy raiser, or just want to present a special gift to a loved one, there is a GoFundMe for you. Plus, donations can be tax-deductible if it is funneled to specific nonprofit groups.