Thinking of Obtaining a Service Dog?
Have you or someone close to you been looking onto the idea of getting a Service Dog to help them to deal with limitations in their daily life, caused by a diagnosed disability?
To the average person seeking a Service Dog it can all seem like a dream that will never come true, something that only happens to "other people" or in the movies.
The questions that come to mind; "Am I disabled ENOUGH to get a Service Dog?" , "Can I have a Service Dog where I live?", and many more can act as a deterrent and at least on some level they should. While the laws governing the ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act) cover all disabled people seeking a Service Dog to aid them with their disabilities, not all situations are equally ideal for cohabitation.
Do You Need A Service Dog?
Before you contact Service Dog organizations to see if you qualify for a Service Dog, you will need to do your homework, What better place is there to start than at home?
The truth is, no doctor or even organization can decide if you need a Service Dog. Ultimately you are the one only one that really knows for sure the difference that a Service Dog could make in your daily life.
To understand if you are eligible for a Service Dog, you must really ask yourself how you will benefit from having a Service Dog by your side, in your life 24/7. The one thing that you need to make terms with before applying for a Service Dog, is that a Service Dog is no light commitment. Once you have a Service Dog, it will become part of you, the two of you will be a team. That means that you will sleep next to each-other, eat breakfast together, you will shower with your service dog standing right outside of the shower, depending on your limitation that dog may need to help you get out of the shower, the dog may even have to help you stand after using the restroom, you will live your entire day with your service dog by your side, and there will be very few times during the life of your Service Dog where you will be apart from your Service Dog.
Make a list of your limitations and how you think that a Service Dog could realistically provide help for these limitations.
There is Help Out There
For Every Situation!
If you have run a basic Google search or researched Service Dogs at all, you will see that the average price of a Service Dog in North America is between $17,000 and $50,000+, this of course lends to the questions "Can I afford the Service Dog I need?", or "Is there Anyone out there who would financially help me to obtain a Service Dog?". These questions and others can make taking the first steps to get the Service Dog that you need to help you in your daily life seem as if it could just never happen for you.
Fortunately, no matter what trainer or organization you choose, the majority of people who are in genuine need of a Service Dog to mitigate tasks in their daily life, never pay a cent out of pocket. While some Service Dog providers may ask you to be a part of the fund raising process, there are many ways to raise funds. While this may seem like a tedious and never-ending endeavor to undertake to get the help you need, there are other ways to raise funds outside of bake sales, candy bars, and donation jars placed at local businesses. You can reach out to your family's church, your local chapter of the Lion's Club, have a friend set you up a GoFundMe.com account, some local restaurants/ stores will raise money for you, and last but not least there are grants that you can write for.
With all of the above information taken into consideration, you should not let the idea of the price tag of a Service Dog stand in between the reality of you bringing home the Service Dog you deserve to have. Having a loving and devoted dog trained to help you deal with limitations in your daily life is rewarding endeavor that will enrich your life for years to come and is worth the research and effort on your part for the time period that leads up to the day that you walk through the door of your home as a trained team!
Check out this website for info on financial assistance: My Assistance Dog INC
Finding YOUR Service Dog
The most important thing to consider, is finding a Service Dog provider that feels like the right fit for you in your current situation. Make sure to look for a Service Dog provider that is close to you. Make sure to review the content any and all websites for Service Dog providers being considered, in their entirety. When you contact Service Dog providers and trainers make sure to ask questions about their programs. Do not feel like you are being a burden or asking too many questions. If you are treated like you are taking up too much of their time. If you you are treated as if their time is more important than you, chances are follow up support if you have complications after placement would be treated with the same detached lack of interest. That is certainly something to be considered.
Questions to Ask:
- Where do they get their dogs?
- What breeds are used?
- Can your own dog be trained?
- Do they breed or rescue?
- What age dogs are used?
- How old is too old?
- Will you be allowed to be a part of the selection process?
- How long does training last?
- Will you be a part of the training?
- What happens if it doesn't work out?
- Are you entitled to a replacement?
- How long is the health of your dog guaranteed?
Finding a Service Dog Near You
Finding a Service Dog Provider can be a lengthy process, but it is worth doing right, to be sure that the Service Dog that you get is one that you can count on for years to come. Listed below are Service Dog providers who have been recommended by their customers to the author of this page either in Social Media groups or directly. In addition there are reputable lists of proven Service Dog providers. Good luck in your journey!