Connect with us

Lifestyle

Getting A Service Dog? 4 Things You Should Consider

Getting A Service Dog? 4 Things You Should Consider

So, you love dogs and have been meaning to get a service dog that is trained to meet your specific needs.

If that’s the case there’s a lot you need to know about them.

Service dogs can accomplish amazing feats on a daily basis. They have an incredible history of providing top-notch service to those with physical disabilities. Helping the disabled open and close doors, guiding them on the street, and retrieving medication from the refrigerator – these are just a few among the many tasks a service dog can help with.

However, buying a service dog is a mammoth decision, one that requires you to consider several crucial aspects and give it plenty of time.

Here’s what you should consider before getting a service dog.

  1. Financial Requirement

It is important for you to know that getting a service dog through an established program or training it yourself will be an expensive affair.

Going for an established program will require you to pay application fees, travel, room, and board costs, equipment fees, and the actual cost of the dog, which can range from $5,000 to $20,000 (extremely specialized dogs).

If you decide to owner-train a service dog, you will be responsible for the cost of the dog, veterinary costs and testing, temperament testing, transport, initial training, advanced training, necessary titling/certifications (CGC or C.L.A.S.S. or the ATTS Temperament Test), gear and equipment, quality food, toys, emergencies, preventative medication, grooming, and other important supplements.

A service dog is a hard-working dog with special skills. Hence, its estimated annual cost of maintenance is relatively more than a dog kept as a pet. The estimated annual cost of maintaining an assistance dog including food, supplies, and veterinary care averages around $1,600. Do check your eligibility for scholarships given by several state agencies and local civic organizations as that can help you obtain a service dog.

Planning about covering the costs before you get a service dog can work in the long term. However, there are several financial assistance opportunities available today that can help you deal with the costs effectively.

  1. Providing Daily Care

Having a service dog has a myriad advantages. However, you’ll have to accept your canine’s responsibility wholly in order to receive those benefits.

Are you willing to take care of your dog for the rest of his life?

Service dogs require daily upkeep. They get sick, injured and need proper care. You need to ensure to meet his needs, especially when the going gets tough for it.

Most importantly, consider how a dog will fit into your daily lifestyle. A service dog possesses highly-trained and specialized skills. If you spend most of your day in your power chair, a service dog will help to further improve your mobility, thereby making your every-day tasks simpler.

But, you should remember that a service dog needs his skills to be maintained and enhanced on a regular basis. You should be willing to provide the time, training and the practice needed to ensure that the service dog doesn’t backslide.

  1. Expectations and Responsibilities

You may have several expectations from your service dog, especially relating to the way in which he will help improve your daily life. However, it is essential that you first discuss about it with the organization you’re planning to get the dog from.

Remember, a service dog is not a piece of equipment, but a living creature. You may have tough times too as you deal with it. You will have to meet his needs, in order to ensure that he serves you to the best of his ability.

It’s important to remember that caring for a service dog is a long-term proposition. So, will you be able to fulfill its requirements, while simultaneously not letting its training lapse even for minor durations?

  1. Things You Should Ask the Provider

Several service dog agencies may ask you to submit a letter explaining your expectations from the dog prior to the application process. When getting the dog, don’t forget to ask the agency certain important questions related to:

  • The dog’s breed
  • Application fees and other types of fees to be paid
  • Training period of the service dog
  • Trainer’s qualifications
  • Certification related to the dog and his trainer
  • Training for the dog and his recipient as a team
  • Waiting period for the dog

Most importantly, make sure to explain your disability to the agency beforehand, so that they can provide you with a dog that meets your needs perfectly.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned aspects play a crucial role when getting a service dog. They will help you make an informed decision. Remember that your disability shouldn’t stop you from living a fulfilling life. A service dog can provide you with physical as well as emotional assistance. He can help you reach new levels of independence. Moreover, partnering with the specially-trained pooch may also help build your confidence and achieve the much-needed peace of mind. However, it is important to understand that at the end of the day, every disabled person has unique needs, desires, and abilities. Bear those in mind and make a decision accordingly.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Autos10 hours ago

In a Car Accident? Here’s How to Find a Great Lawyer

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you know that it can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do...

Education1 day ago

Considering Therapy? Here’s a Few Common Therapy Techniques Explained

If you’re considering therapy as a means to improve your mental health, you may be curious about the type of...

home repairs home repairs
Home Improvement2 days ago

Top 5 Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

DIY home repairs are all the rage these days. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things...

Health2 weeks ago

The Power of CBD Oil for Relaxation: How to Use it for Sleep and Stress Relief

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep or feeling stressed, try CBD oil. CBD oil has a moment...

General2 weeks ago

Benefits of Getting your Mobile Phone Repair

Mobile phone repair is a task that needs high skills and experience. That is why we always recommend users trust...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

Great Ways To Clean To Get Your Security Deposit Back In Full

Moving is almost always stressful as there are tons of things to plan and do. Getting your security deposit back...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

DIY Garage Door Repair: Tips and Tricks for Fixing Common Problems and Maintaining Your System

If your garage door needs to be fixed, wait to call a repairer. Many common problems can be fixed quickly...

Education3 weeks ago

7 Tips to Choosing the Right University for You

Are you considering continuing your education at university? If so, it can be overwhelming to decide which school is right...

Finance4 weeks ago

3 Ways Loans from Credit Unions Are Different From Major Banks

If you’re in the loan market, you may wonder if a credit union is the right choice. Here are three...

Food1 month ago

The World of Coffee: Exploring the Aromas, Flavors, and Benefits of the World’s Most Popular Beverage

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s also one...

Education2 months ago

New Driver? 5 Things to Consider When Looking for Driving School

When it comes to choosing a driving school, there are many factors to consider. Not all driving schools are created...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Landscape Irrigation Systems: The Basics

If you’re a homeowner, you know that keeping your lawn and landscaping looking nice can be a lot of work....

Travel2 months ago

5 Things to Look for in Luxury Hotels

When it comes to luxury hotels, there is a lot to look out for. Here are five key things that...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Is There a Difference Between Commercial and Residential Concrete?

If you’re a contractor, you know that concrete is a versatile construction material. But did you know that there are...

Law2 months ago

5 Tips to Find the Right Litigation Firm

When it comes to selecting the right litigation firm for your legal needs, choosing wisely is of utmost importance. It’s...

Categories

Archives

Trending