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Can You Get a Grant for a Service Dog?
Dogs are helping humans in many ways. For individuals with disabilities, dogs can perform tasks to assist them with daily tasks the handler could not do by themselves. These service dogs can greatly improve their owner’s life or even perform life-saving tasks. However, a good service dog comes with a cost. In this article, we’ll look at the possibilities of getting a grant to sponsor a service dog.
The Price of a Service Dog
Because the work service dogs perform is so vital, a service dog’s cost can be steep. The price depends on the service dog’s breed and training, but a trained service dog from a reputable organization can cost 10,000 to 40,000 dollars. Little Angels Service Dogs, a non-profit that sells service dogs, estimates their service dogs cost about 38,000 dollars to train. Although it’s possible to train your service dog, finding the right dog and putting in the time and effort to teach them can have its costs. And unfortunately, it’s not guaranteed that the dog you choose to train will be able to perform the tasks you need in the end.
Obtaining a Grant for a Service Dog
To help mitigate the cost of a service dog, many service dog agencies offer grants. These organizations are usually non-profits, foundations, or businesses that assist people who are disabled and need a service dog. Most of these agencies require that you apply and give verifiable documentation of your disability to qualify for a grant.
A grant is not a loan; it doesn’t require repayment to the people you received the grant from. Some organizations receive donations from the public or funds from the government to obtain and train service dogs, and grants are used in place of cash payment for these dogs from the person in need. Some grants may cover the full cost of a service dog, while others may provide partial payment, and the recipient of the dog must cover the rest. Applying doesn’t always guarantee a service dog, but the process is straightforward.
Steps to Get A Grant for a Service Dog
1. See a Doctor
Before starting the process of seeking a grant for a service dog, you should speak to your doctor. Most organizations will require a letter or prescription from your doctor stating that a service animal can help you manage your disability. Your doctor should note what type of meaningful assistance the service could provide to mitigate the issues caused by your disability.
2. Look for an Organization and Apply
Luckily, some organizations exist to help people with disabilities obtain a service dog. A few organizations cater to a particular location or demographic (for example, veterans), so it’s a good idea to investigate the organization before applying. Look for reputable agencies with good reviews, and don’t be shy to ask other people for their opinion.
Here are a few reputable organizations that offer grants for service dogs:
NEADS
NEADS is a highly reputable organization with a long history in the service dog industry. Although the service dog’s cost is free, each client must agree to fundraise $8,000 with the help of NEADS fundraising kits and resources. NEADS offers service dogs for children, veterans, and adults who are hearing impaired.
Patriot Paws
Patriot Paws work with military veterans to connect them with the right service dog to help with their disability at no cost. Although all veterans may apply, priority goes to Desert Storm veterans.
Paws with a Cause
Paws with a Cause is a non-profit which operates through public donations. Service dog applicants pay a nominal fee to apply for a service dog. If approved, service dogs are provided at no cost. To qualify, applicants must have a physical disability, seizure disorder, a hearing impairment, or have a child with autism.
Who Gets a Grant?
Technically, grants go to organizations, not individuals. This is why people seeking a service dog must apply to a non-profit or business to receive a service dog funded through grants. Remember that you may not receive a service dog immediately and may need to apply to many organizations. Part of the application process requires verifying your information, and a field agent may come to your home to evaluate whether it’s safe for a service dog.
Note that the yearly costs of a service dog from grooming, veterinary fees, and food are often not included. Therefore, the recipient must have the financial ability to provide for the service dog for the years to come.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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Hi I need a service dog for the following reasons: 1. I have balance and mobility issues
2. I have anxiety, clinical depression and bpd
3. I have diabetes and need help remembering to check my sugar levels
4. I believe I may have ptsd from being bullied although school
We do not provide referrals for service dog adoptions or training, but we wish you the best of luck in your search.
I suffer from ptsd. I have a son who is just a year old. I want to be able to have a dog to check rooms and possibly be able to alert me if they can sense a panic attack or trigger before I can so I can get to a safe place. I have been through therapy for ptsd, tried emdr, have my medical card for it and looking to further protect my mental health. Financially I cannot afford a service dog but I’m very much in need of one. Do you think I would qualify for a grant or some sort of financial help?
Unfortunately we do not provide referrals for grants or financial assistance, but we wish you luck on your search. One thing to keep in mind is that you are allowed to train your own service dog. You may want to look into training a service dog with the help of a professional trainer.
I have congestive heart failure see here bipolar disorder and I need a dog that can help me with these three issues of mine I’m also in a wheelchair so I would need one to be trained to go around a power wheelchair if anybody knows anything any place that can help me I can’t afford to buy one going to be helpful to get one donated to me.
Unfortunately we do not provide adoption or training referrals but we wish you the best of luck in your search.
Any other organizations that could assist me? I had an emotional support Staffy Terrier, who died earlier this year. She was constantly by my side, helping me get up from sitting position, walk more safely, as I have balance issues, and for anxiety, she calmed me.
I would love to have a service dog similar to her. As I am in my early 70’s, it would be ideal for me to get a Staffy who is already trained.
Thank you!
Jana
Unfortunately we do not provide referrals, but we hope you find the help you need. You may want to speak to your healthcare provider as a starting point.
We have a golden retriever who is 2 years old.
My grandson has autism. He is 10. He just got tested academically and we learned that he is moderately intellectually disabled as well.
I would like information on how to get my dog trained (by someone else) to be an emotional support animal or a psychiatric support animal for him.
On a side note, his brother who is turning 4 in a few weeks is being screened for autism on 5/21/22.
If you are looking to get an emotional support animal, there is no training needed. ESAs do not require any specialized training – they help people by being present during difficult times. To qualify for an emotional support animal, you need an ESA letter: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/