Dogs assist people in a variety of ways. Dogs can help people with disabilities with everyday chores that their handlers cannot complete on their own.
These service dogs can significantly enhance their owners’ lives or perhaps save their lives. A decent service dog costs money, though.
We’ll examine the chances of obtaining a grant to support a service dog in this article.
What is a Service Dog?
An animal that has been specially trained to aid people with physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities is known as a service dog.
After completing the Assistance Dogs International Public Assessment, they match service animals with a client after undergoing rigorous training that can last up to two years.
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How much is a Service Dog in America?
A service dog can be expensive since the work they do is so important. Depending on the breed and level of training, the cost of a service dog from a reputable organization might range from $10,000 to $40,000.
A non-profit that sells service dogs, Little Angels Service Dogs, estimates that it costs roughly 38,000 dollars to train one service dog. Although it is feasible to train your service dog, selecting the proper canine and dedicating the time and energy to training them can be expensive.
And regrettably, there’s no guarantee that the dog you decide to train will finish the job. That is why it is important to obtain grants for service dogs if you don’t have money to train the dogs.
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Grants for Service Dogs
Many service dog organizations offer grants to offset the expense of a service dog. These groups typically help disabled persons who require service dogs and are non-profits, foundations, or companies.
For the most part, these organizations ask that you apply and provide verifiable proof of your impairment in order to be eligible for a grant.
A grant is not a loan; you are not required to repay the persons who gave you the gift. Grants are used in place of monetary payments for these dogs from the person in need by some groups that receive donations from the general public or money from the government to acquire and train service dogs.
Some grants may fully cover A service dog, while others may only pay a portion of the price, leaving the recipient to foot the remaining balance. Although applying doesn’t always guarantee a service dog, the procedure is simple.
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How to Get a Grant for a Service Dog
Grants for service dogs application take a very smooth easy process. However, getting a grant depends on the extent to which you meet the criteria for getting a grant for a service dog.
Below are the steps to take to get a service dog grant.
1. Consult a Doctor
You should see your doctor before applying for a grant to get a service dog. Most organizations want proof from your doctor that a service animal can assist you to manage your handicap as a letter or prescription.
Your doctor should make a note of what kind of substantial support the service might offer to lessen the problems brought on by your impairment.
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2. Look for an Organization and Apply
Fortunately, there are some groups that assist those with impairments in getting a service dog. It’s a good idea to research an organization before applying because of some target a certain area or population (for instance, veterans).
Look for reliable companies with positive evaluations, and don’t be afraid to get other people’s feedback. Study the organization’s main goals before applying for a service dog grant because some may have a target audience in mind.
Study the organization’s major goals before applying for a service dog grant because some may have a target audience in mind.
10 Best Grants for Service Dogs in 2024
Here are the top reputable organizations that offer grants for service dogs
1. NEADS
NEADS is a well-known company with a lengthy history in the service dog sector. Although the service dog is provided free of charge, each client must use NEADS fundraising kits and resources to achieve $8,000 in donations.
For kids, veterans, and people with hearing loss, NEADS provides service dogs.
2. Patriot Paws
Veterans of the military can receive free assistance from Patriot Paws in finding the best service dog to aid with their handicap. All veterans are welcome to apply, however, veterans of the Desert Storm are given preference.
3. Paws with a Cause
Using donations from the general public, Paws with a Cause is a nonprofit organization. There is a small application cost for service dog candidates. Service dogs are offered grants if authorized.
Applicants must be physically disabled, suffer from a seizure disorder, have hearing loss, or have an autistic kid in order to be considered.
4. Assistance Dog United Campaign
Based in Penngrove, California, The Assistance Dog United Campaign (ADUC) promotes health and human welfare.
The ADUC Board of Directors raises money for assistance dog placements, awards grants to promote business research and development initiatives, and provides particular program development projects in an effort to assist people with disabilities.
5. PETCO Foundation
PETCO is able to provide about $15 million annually for service animals in the US thanks to donations and yearly events.
Established in 1999, PETCO plays a significant part in animal rights activism in the United States of America in addition to providing pet and dog grants for individuals.
6. The Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye offers guide dogs for the blind at a minimal cost, which is typically paid by contributions, and is one of the country’s oldest service animal grant programs.
Basically, the Seeing Eye breeds and raises puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs, trains Seeing-Eye dogs to lead blind people, teaches blind people how to use, handle, and care for the dogs, and conducts and supports research on the health and development of canines in order to further its goal.
7. Planet Dog Foundation
The Planet Dog Foundation is one of the most respected organizations that offer financial support for service animals. It provides grants to different organizations so that service animals can be trained and paired with clients. You may read more about the Planet Dog Foundation here.
Simply read the guidelines and apply on the grant’s website together with all required supporting evidence, such as the type of impairment, a doctor’s contact information, and the money required for the service animal.
8. Online Crowdfunding
In recent years, crowdfunding has grown in popularity. Sharing a crowdfunding link can be a brilliant method to meet a fundraising target and secure finance for service dogs if you already have a significant following on social media.
The most well-known crowdfunding websites include GoFundMe, FundRazr, and Fundly.
9. Canines for Disabled Kids
Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They were established in 1998, and one of its goals is to help disabled children and their families become more independent by forming partnerships with service dogs.
Nearly 90% of every donation they receive goes toward providing program services.
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10. Highland Canine Connect
Through its community activities and initiatives, such as its service dog donation program, Highland Canine Connect assists individuals in need. They have worked with numerous people in need of a service dog over the past couple of years all throughout the country.
Alternatives to Grants for Service Dogs
Below are alternatives to getting grants for service dogs that can equally be of help while looking for a way to finance the training of a service dog.
1. Personal Loans
Many people require assistance dogs, but getting one through a foundation or NGO might take years. You can always purchase or adopt a dog and then take out a loan to pay for training if you don’t want to wait. To guarantee you receive the best financing possible while selecting this option, make sure to compare several lenders.
Those wishing to get an emotional support animal should consider this as well. Since ESAs typically aren’t eligible for financial aid, a personal loan may be necessary to meet the expense.
2. Social Service
The Department of Social Services may be able to offer some financial aid in some states or localities.
The Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program in California provides service dog owners with $50 per month to assist them to pay for food, medical care, and grooming. Despite how little it may be, every little bit counts!
Which Breeds are Best for Service Dogs?
Your needs will determine the ideal breed for your service dog. The following are the top three main types of service dogs:
- Labrador retrievers
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
Although many kinds of dogs are excellent for service work, some breeds are better suited for particular tasks. It’s crucial to get in touch with trainers and advocates for people with disabilities when looking for the ideal dog breed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
According to the National Service Animal Registry, a service dog should cost no less than $17,000. Typically, training a dog costs over $40,000 in total, although most groups may help individuals in need with fundraising or grant applications.
Some groups offer free service dogs to persons with disabilities, while others may provide financial aid to those who require a service dog but cannot afford one. For a trained dog, other groups might charge a fee.
Individuals with PTSD and/or mobility problems who apply to Anthem Service Dogs’ program receive free service dogs. Both civilians and veterans are assisted.
Some groups offer free service dogs to persons with disabilities, while others may provide financial aid to those who require a service dog but cannot afford one. For a trained dog, other groups might charge a fee.
Conclusion
A service dog may be required, but the price tag may prevent some people from getting one. However, people who legitimately need to service dogs can realize their goals thanks to the grants for service dog programs described above.
If you decide to take out a personal loan, make sure you’re getting a decent offer that fits your budget by weighing your options.
Reference
- How to pay for a service dog – www.finder.com
- Can You Get a Grant for a Service Dog? – www.servicedogcertifications.org
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