[Meta: Service dogs can be expensive, but it is possible to turn your dog into a service animal for free. Our article explains how to make your pup a service dog.]
Service dogs are necessary companions for many, and these highly trained animals complete disability-related tasks that ensure their owners are able to go about their day with ease and comfort. In many cases, fully trained service dogs can be expensive, though making your dog into a service dog for free is an option. Our article gives a basic overview of how to make your dog a service dog for free.
How Much Does a Service Dog Cost?
Service dogs are rarely covered by medical insurance, and these fully trained dogs can cost quite a bit upfront. The high cost of trained service dogs is due to the care and training dedicated to these pups from birth. On average, a fully trained service dog can cost between $20,000 and $50,000.
Many organizations across the United States work to provide those in need with service dogs, and you may qualify for financial assistance from a local or national service dog placement organization. However, if you are not eligible for these options, you can look into training your dog as a service dog for free.
Steps for Turning Your Dog into a Service Dog for Free
The steps for turning your dog into a service dog are quite simple, though you will need lots of dedication and patience to ensure your dog properly learns all of the commands. Online training programs and assistance from a professional dog trainer may be able to guide you through this process, but you should note that the Americans with Disabilities Act doesn’t require any specific kind of training or certification for service dogs.
Speak With Your Medical Provider
The first step to turning your dog into a service dog is speaking with your medical provider or a licensed mental healthcare provider to ensure that a service dog fits into your treatment plan. In order to be eligible for a service dog, you will need to be able to physically care for them when they are off duty and financially provide for them, including routine vet visits and daily care.
Once you have been approved for a service dog, you and your medical provider can collaborate to determine which tasks your service dog will help you with.
Train Your Dog
After you have been approved for a service dog and have a good idea of the tasks that you will need assistance with during your daily life, you can start training your dog. This is likely to be the longest and most difficult part of turning your dog into a service dog, as all dogs learn at different speeds, and how quickly your dog learns depends on their temperament and the complexity of the task.
You will need to take the time to work on the basics with your dog and then work up in skill and complexity until your dog can easily and reliably complete all the tasks you need assistance with. Having your service dog complete the Canine Good Citizen test is also a good idea to ensure they can safely work with you in public.
Obtain Registration
While it is not necessary to obtain service animal registration for your service dog, many people choose to do this just so that they have ample proof and identification for their service dog. You can also invest in harnesses, marked leashes, and vests that indicate your dog is a service dog, making traveling with your dog in public easier.
Start Working with Your Dog
Once you have completed all the above steps, it’s time to start working with your service dog. Start your time out in public slowly to ensure your dog gets used to working at your side, and make sure that you understand your public access rights. Remember that no one can ask you to demonstrate the service dog tasks your dog can perform, nor can they ask you about the specifics of your disability.
Avoiding High Service Dog Costs
It’s no secret that service dogs cost a lot, and this is due to how highly trained these dogs are. In many cases, insurance will not help you cover the cost of a service dog, and many individuals might need to pay out of pocket to obtain the service dog they need to help with their disability. Making your dog into a service dog by yourself with dedicated training is a great way to avoid these costs and ensure that your disability needs are met without paying thousands of dollars up-front.
