Many dog owners struggle to afford professional dog training, with costs ranging from $30 to $100 per session.
For those on a tight budget, organizations like the Pet Fund and RedRover offer financial assistance for dog training, covering up to 80% of costs.
Some dog training programs, like the Karen Pryor Academy, provide scholarships and grants to help low-income dog owners access training.
These resources can be a game-changer for dog owners who want to improve their relationship with their furry friend but can't afford the costs.
Financial Assistance Options
If you're struggling to afford dog training, there are several financial assistance options available.
The Assistance Dog United Campaign is a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities find funding to purchase service dogs.
You can also reach out to breed-specific rescues, which may offer financial support if you have a purebred dog. Contact the national breed club to find out if they have a grant program.
Crowdfunding is another option, with popular sites like GoFundMe, Fundly, and SpotFund. Local events such as fun runs and bake sales can also be a great way to raise funds for dog training.
Service Dog Costs and Resources
Service dog costs can add up quickly, ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 for a fully-trained service dog from a reputable organization.
The cost of a fully-trained service dog depends on the level of intensive training required, which can vary significantly.
A character test to determine if your dog is a good service dog candidate can cost anywhere from $300 to $400.
Training a service dog requires a minimum of 120 hours, with costs ranging from $150 to $250 per hour.
Ongoing veterinary care for a service dog can cost between $1,000 to $2,000 per year.
Food for a service dog can cost around $300 per year.
Service dog registration fees typically range from $100 to $200.
Several nonprofit organizations offer grants to help people with disabilities obtain service dogs, such as the Assistance Dog United Campaign, which provides vouchers of up to $5,500.
The Seeing Eyebreeds organization breeds and raises puppies to become seeing-eye dogs for people with visual impairments, with costs starting at just $150 for students and $1 for military veterans.
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Canine Companions places service dogs with children, adults, and veterans with disabilities at no cost to approved applicants.
Some states or cities offer financial assistance through their department of social services, such as California's Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program, which provides $50 a month to help service dog owners cover costs.
Here are some organizations that offer grants and financial assistance for service dogs:
- Assistance Dog United Campaign: Provides vouchers of up to $5,500 for service, hearing, and guide dogs, and up to $2,500 for social and therapy dogs.
- The Seeing Eyebreeds: Breeds and raises puppies to become seeing-eye dogs for people with visual impairments, with costs starting at $150 for students and $1 for military veterans.
- Canine Companions: Places service dogs with children, adults, and veterans with disabilities at no cost to approved applicants.
- California's Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program: Provides $50 a month to help service dog owners cover costs.
Social Services
Some states or cities offer financial assistance through their department of social services to help with dog training costs.
In California, the Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program provides $50 a month to help service dog owners cover expenses like food and veterinary care.
This program may not cover the full cost of training, but it can help make a big difference for those in need.
In some cases, this assistance can be a game-changer for individuals who rely on their service dogs.
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Breed-Specific Assistance
There are breed-specific rescues all over the United States that may be able to offer you financial support. If you have a purebred dog, it's worthwhile to contact the national breed club to find out if they have a grant program.
You can visit the AKC Rescue Network List to get started.
Many national breed clubs have grant programs that can help with dog training expenses.
Sources
- https://thepetfund.com/for-pet-owners/financial-assistance
- https://ruffstartrescue.org/community-resources/financial-assistance/
- https://iheartdogs.com/how-to-get-financial-help-to-fund-your-new-service-dog/
- https://cthumane.org/financial-aid-resources/
- https://www.preventivevet.com/financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care
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