What is a
Service Dog?
Service dogs provide assistance to physically disabled people
by retrieving objects, opening and closing doors, turning
lights on and off, pulling wheelchairs, helping dress and
undress, providing balance for ambulatory persons and many
other specific tasks as needed by the disabled individual.
Service dogs can be rescued from animal shelters or bred
in selective breeding programs. Most Service dogs are Labrador
Retrievers or Golden Retrievers and can be identified by
a service dog harness or backpack/vest.
How long does
it take to train a service Dog?
Many hours of training at a facility as well as in the field
are needed before a Dogs for Disabilities dog can be placed with
an individual. From basic obedience to advanced service training
is approximately 2 years.
What type of training does the recipient need?
A recipient needs to go through a schedule series of training
sessions before the dog is ultimate passed to their care.
How much does a service dog cost to train?
From puppy to placement with a new owner the cost can run between
$17,000 and $20,000.
How much does it cost to acquire a service dog?
Dogs for Disabilities, Inc. has a suggested $25.00 application
donation. Our dogs are placed with approved applicants at no
monetary commitment to them!
Who trains Dogs for Disabilities, inc. dogs?
Dogs for Disabilities, inc. uses only professional trainers.
Each dog is rigorously trained to the highest of standards
to produce a high quality service dog.
Who can a Service Dog help?
Service dogs can benefit people with many difference physical
disabilities including but not limited to:
Spinal cord/head trauma (injury stroke)
Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
Ataxia/poor balance
Multiple Sclerosis
Cerebal Palsy
Muscular Dystrophy
Spina Bifida
Any person who has a physical imapairment that substantially
limits a major life activity might be a candidate for a service
dog. Service dogs can provide physical support necessary to help
achieve independence.
What is the new owners responsibility?
To receive a Dogs for Disabilities dog, the recipient must
have the financial means to provide proper daily care and
veterinarian care for the dog. They must also commit
to maintain training with their dog by revisiting the training
facilities for scheduled sessions.
How can I help?
Dogs for Disabilities, inc. is a non-profit organization that
depends on donations and volunteers for support. Please
contact us for more information on how you can help or see
our donation form!
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