How much does it cost to train a service dog?
How much does it cost to train a service dog?
$10,000 – $50,000 average training cost
Average service dog training cost
Service dogs provide invaluable assistance to individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate daily life with greater independence. However, the cost to train a service dog can be significant. Service dog training costs $10,000 to $50,000 on average, depending on the specific tasks the dog is trained to perform.
| Service dog type | Average training cost* |
|---|---|
| Mobility assistance dog | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Medical alert dog | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Guide dog | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| PTSD support dog | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Autism support dog | $10,000 – $30,000 |
*Training cost only; not including the cost of the dog itself, vaccinations, or supplies
What affects service dog training prices?
Your cost will depend on whether you purchase an already-trained service dog or hire a professional trainer. A fully trained service dog costs $18,000 to $40,000 on average, or up to $50,000+ for a guide dog with highly specialized training. Professional service dog trainers charge $120 to $300 per hour, depending on your location.
These other factors also impact the cost to train a service dog or therapy dog:
Dog temperament & aptitude: Suitable dogs are chosen based on temperament, health, and aptitude, which affect how quickly the dogs learn to perform assistive tasks. Breeds commonly selected include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, though any breed can potentially become a service dog.
Training type & duration: The complexity of the tasks the service dog is trained to perform will affect the length and type of training needed. For example, guide dogs that must perform a wide variety of tasks for their handler require much more extensive training than PTSD support dogs.
Trainer experience & reputation: More experienced dog trainers with proven track records often charge higher hourly and package rates.
Specialized gear & equipment: Some service dogs require specific gear like a stability harness, which adds to the total cost. Though service dogs are not required to wear a vest or other ID indicating they are a service dog, many organizations recommend it.
IMPORTANT: There is no organization or government agency that certifies or registers service dogs. The ADA warns that there are many organizations selling service dog certifications or registration online, but these are not official, do not convey any rights under the ADA, and are not recognized by the Department of Justice.
Financial assistance for service dog training
Given the high costs associated with service dog training, many individuals seek financial assistance. Here are some options to consider:
Nonprofit organizations & charities: Many nonprofit organizations provide partial or full funding for service dog training. Because of the high demand for this type of assistance, there is sometimes a waiting list.
Veterans' assistance programs: Veterans may be eligible for a fully trained service dog at little or no cost through various programs like K9s For Warriors, Pawsitivity Service Dogs for Veterans, and The Dog Alliance.
Grants: Many disability-focused organizations and foundations offer grants to cover the cost of service dog training.
Crowdfunding: Families and local communities often use GoFundMe or other similar fundraising sites to help cover the cost to train a service a dog for individuals in need.
Service dog training process
The process of training a service dog typically involves several stages:
Basic obedience training: This training includes commands like sit, stay, come, and heel, and is crucial for establishing a strong foundation of discipline and responsiveness.
Socialization: Dogs are exposed to various environments, people, and situations to ensure they remain calm and focused in different settings.
Public access training: This teaches the dog to behave appropriately in public spaces, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
Task-specific training: The dog learns specialized tasks related to their handler's specific disability. This could include guiding a visually impaired handler around obstacles, retrieving objects, providing balance or other physical support, or alerting to medical conditions such as seizures or changes in blood sugar.
Handler training: The person with a disability, also called the handler, learns how to work with their service dog, including giving commands and maintaining the dog's training. The dog and handler practice working together as a team in various real-world scenarios.
Ongoing training & support: Regular practice and occasional refresher training help maintain the dog's skills throughout its working life.
This process typically takes 1 to 2 years, depending on the complexity of tasks the dog needs to learn and the individual dog's aptitude. It requires patience, consistency, and dedication from both the trainer and the handler to produce a well-trained service dog capable of providing reliable assistance.
To qualify as a service dog, the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks directly related to their handler's disability. A dog whose presence provides comfort or calms a person's anxiety is considered a therapy dog or emotional support animal (ESA) rather than a service dog and is not granted the same legal rights under the ADA.
What are service dogs trained to do?
Service dogs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks tailored to their handler's specific needs. These may include but are not limited to:
Guiding individuals with visual impairments
Alerting to sounds for those with hearing impairments
Retrieving objects for people with mobility issues
Providing balance and support for individuals with physical disabilities
Alerting to medical emergencies such as seizures or low blood sugar
Providing comfort and support for individuals with PTSD or autism
Service dog training FAQs
Are service dogs trained as puppies or adults?
Service dogs can be trained as either puppies or adults. Many organizations prefer to start training puppies between 8 weeks and 18 months old, as this allows for early socialization and basic obedience training. However, adult dogs with the right temperament can also be successfully trained as service dogs.
How long does it take to train a service dog?
The training process for a service dog takes 1 to 2 years. This includes basic obedience training, public access training, and task-specific training. The duration depends on the dog's aptitude and the complexity of the tasks they need to learn.
Can I train my own service dog?
Yes, you can train your own service dog. Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), "people with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves and are not required to use a professional service dog training program."
However, keep in mind the dog must have a suitable temperament and aptitude, and the training process requires a huge amount of time, energy, skill, and patience. Service dogs require extensive training to perform their tasks successfully and meet the behavioral requirements outlined by the ADA.
Does insurance cover service dog training?
No, health insurance plans do not cover the cost to train a service dog. Other funding options include grants from nonprofit organizations, financial assistance from disability-focused groups or charities, and crowdfunding.
What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?
While both service dogs and therapy dogs undergo training, they serve different purposes:
Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. They have legal protections under the ADA and are allowed to accompany their handlers in public places.
Therapy dogs provide comfort and support in various settings such as homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. They do not have the same legal protections as service dogs and are not trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.