Just owning a dog costs money no matter how thrifty you are. Training a service dog adds
It is a great idea to fundraise ahead of time so you are ready for planned costs. Don't forget to have an emergency fund ready as well. It sits there until it's needed for unexpected veterinary bills.
Even if you are very thrifty and can get items donated, it will still cost money! You dog may need to have medical procedures done. Even my healthy dog needed a $1500 surgery to remove a lump from her leg. It was not optional as it interfered with movement and would have eventually burst. The previous two lumpectomies were not as expensive ($700 & $900) but it adds up.
Costs of Owning a Service Dog
Table 1 - Estimated Costs of Owning a Service Dog |
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| Estimated Costs of Owning a Service Dog (example) | YOUR Estimated Costs of Owning a Service Dog | |
| One Time Costs | ||
| Initial purchase/adoption fee | $2000.00 | |
| transportation costs to pick up puppy/dog | $200.00 | |
| spaying/neutering (at the correct time) | $200.00 | |
| food/water dishes | $25.00 | |
| harnesses/leashes/collar/name tags/multiples sizes as puppy grows | $200.00 | |
| grooming equipment | $200.00 | |
| toys | ||
| crate and bed | $130.00 | |
| in-person puppy classes (2 sets) | $300.00 | |
| basic adolescent in-person classes (3 sets) | $750.00 | |
| online service dog training (you learn to teach your dog) | $500 | |
| online/in person foundation 1:1 coaching 10 sessions | $400.00 | |
| online/in person task specific 1:1 coaching 10 sessions | $500.00 | |
| first vet visit with vaccinations | $120.00 | |
| property fencing | $500-$3000 | |
| X-rays (orthopedic) | $200.00 | |
| Canine Good Citizen/ Neighbor Test | $50.00 | |
| certification costs (where required) | $200.00 | |
| subtotal | $5,975.00 | |
| taxes | $275.00 | |
| total | est $6000.00 | |
| Ongoing Costs (annual) | ||
| food per month x12 | $720.00 | |
| treats | $100.00 | |
| veterinarian 1 visit per year | $100.00 | |
| grooming x 8 per year | $500-800 | |
| nail clipping | $120.00 | |
| licence (annual) | $25.00 | |
| dog walker/daycare | varies | |
| service dog specific training | varies | |
| additional equipment-mobility harness etc | $500.00 | |
| emergency vet care/health insurance | $400-2000 | |
| teeth cleaning | varies | |
| subtotal | $1,955.00 | |
| taxes | $98 | |
| total | est $2,050.00 | |
Updated Feb. 2021 for Costs in Nanaimo, Canada