If you are familiar with the usual pet dog expenses, you have an idea of some of the expenses that will be involved in having a Service Dog.

Service Dogs, generally, are more expensive to care for. Since you will be depending on your Service Dog's help every day, your dog's health must always be in top shape. Regular veterinary visits are a necessity. All vaccinations must be kept up to date. And all preventative care must be done.

It is also likely that you will need extra equipment. While a vest or cape identifying your dog as a Service Dog is not required by federal law, you will find that "dressing" your dog will make your life easier. If you are planning to use your Service Dog for walking assistance or pulling your manual wheelchair, you will need to have a specially designed harness. Depending on the harness, it can cost $700 or more. Do NOT plan on buying the cheapest harness on the market. An improperly fitting harness will make your dog miserable and will not serve you well. For more information on vests, capes and harnesses, check the Appendix for links to a variety of manufacturers.

There are also the day-to-day expenses of a Service Dog. Since you will be going out in public with your Service Dog, you must keep it clean and tidy. Many dogs can be kept clean between baths with a wet washcloth. But some dogs will require cleaning with products that keep dander and odors to a minimum.

The following pages will help you create a budget for your Service Dog's expenses. While filling it out, you will need to contact the veterinarian that you will be using to find out their charges (Be sure to ask if they give discounts when treating Service Dogs.). A trip to the pet store or a visit to an online pet store will help you fill out the cost of accessories. The Appendix has a number of web sites that can also assist you in figuring out your budget.

Estimated Annual Dog Care Costs

Initial Costs

Acquisition Fee

  I plan to adopt a dog from a rescue organization.
  I want to purchase a puppy from a breeder.
  I will be adopting a dog from a training facility.

Enter the cost of the adoption, purchase, or donation to the training facility here:	_________
If you will be adopting from a training facility, enter any travel, motel, and meal costs here:	_________

Accessories

Working Leash A working leash will generally be about six feet long. A retractable leash is often considered inappropriate for working in public.	_________
A Long Lead This leash is for exercising and training. Be sure to check for a leash that is strong enough for the dog you are considering. A giant-sized retractable lead can cost $40 or more.	_________
Collar Will you be needing more than one collar? Will you be using a separate collar for training than for casual walks? (ie: a standard collar, a Martingale collar, a Halti)	_________
Bowls Consider selecting food and water bowls that are designed so that your dog can pick them up. Many stainless steal bowls have sloaping sides that are nearly impossible for a dog to grasp.	_________
Bed Your dog needs a comfortable place off the cold floor to sleep.	_________
Crate A crate/cage is needed if you will be adopting a puppy and will be house training him. Also, many Service Dog trainers use crates for traveling by automobile, feeling it is safer in the event of an accident. A travel kennel is a different object.	_________
Toys, Chews, etc. Don't skimp on this item. Every dog, no matter how old, enjoys playing with toys. They can also be useful when training your dog. Chews can save your shoes and furniture when a puppy is teething.	_________
Microchip ID Ask your veterinarian if they participate in a free microchipping program for Service Dogs. If you are unsure of what a microchip is for, check the Appendix for links to explanations.	_________
Spaying or Neutering Spaying or neutering is a must for a working Service Dog. A female in heat should not be taken out in public. When pregnant or nursing, your dog should not be expected to work. An intact male will have difficulty staying focused on his work when around a female in heat. The Appendix has links to general information about spaying and neutering.	_________
Fence Your Yard If you own your own home, fencing in your yard will make caring for your dog much easier. You may also want to consider installing a "pet door" so your dog can have free access to the yard. Be sure to add that cost in also.	_________
Flea and Tic Preventative or Exterminate Fleas and Tics in Your Home In many areas of the country, fleas are a fact of life. Unless you have your dog on year round flea and tic preventative, you will at some time, want to have an exterminator treat your living space.	_________
Puppy Damage Puppy damage is a fact of life. No matter how careful you are to watch your new puppy, something will happen. Best to budget for the inevitable.
Carpet cleaner	_________
Chewed shoes	_________
Chewed and soiled furniture	_________

Speciality Equipment

Vest or Cape An identifying vest or cape is not required by federal law. But having your Service Dog clearly identified will reduce the number of access challenges you will experience and make your life a lot easier.	_________
Speciality Harness for Walking or Pulling If you are planning to use your Service Dog as a walking aide or for pulling your manual wheelchair, a specially designed harness is a necessity. Do NOT plan on buying the cheapest harness available. It must be properly fitted for your dog's comfort and your ease of use.	_________

Ongoing Costs

Food Based on a ______ Pound Dog Check dog food bags at the grocery store or pet store for how much to feed per day for the adult sized dog you are considering. Ask your veterinarian for a brand recommendation that is suitable for the breed of dog you are considering. If you are considering a program trained dog, as them what brand they recommend.	_________
Training Treats Even if you are planning to adopt a Service Dog from a training facility, you will need to continue training your dog for it's lifetime.	_________
Yearly Physical Exam Just as your yearly physical is expensive, so is your dog's. This cost is a must for the continued well-being of your Service Dog.	_________
Routine Veterinary Visits This will include visits for updating any inoculations your dog needs, exams for eye infections, allergies, etc.	_________
Vaccines Rabies Distemper Parvo Worming (testing and treating) Flea and tic treatments Heart worm     Annual test     Preventative Kennel Cough / Bordetella (Since your Service Dog will be out and about in the world and having contact with many other animals, Bordetella vaccine is highly recommended.)	_________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________
Dental Care Brushing your dog's teeth regularly will greatly reduce this expense. But you still need to budget for it.	_________
Licensing Many cities require that pets be licensed. Legally, the fee should be waived for Service Dogs. Check with your local animal control department.	_________
Grooming If you and your family can do all of your dog's grooming – great! Don't skip cleaning your dog's ears or expressing it's anal glands. Your Service Dog could become ill and have very expensive vet bills. Bathing Keeping your Service Dog clean and tidy is a necessity when you're out in the world. Clipping This cost will vary greatly depending on the breed of dog you have. Nail trimming Ear cleaning Expressing Anal Glands For some dogs, this must be done quite regularly to avoid a serious blockage.	_________   _________ _________ _________ _________
Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance This is insurance for damage your dog may cause or for a biting incident. Check with your insurance agent about coverage for your Service Dog. In some areas, certain breeds have a higher insurance premium.	_________
Health Insurance There are a few companies that offer health insurance for pets. Ask your veterinarian if they accept payment from any of them.	_________
Books Yes, you will find yourself wanting to read more about dog body language, training, etc. when you have a Service Dog. Budget at least $40 a year.	_________

Training -- Professional Help

Group Classes Any dog that hasn't spent some time socializing with other dogs, must do so. Group classes are a great place for your puppy to learn how to behave around other dogs.	_________
Private Tutor At some point, you may need help from someone who is experienced in training Service Dogs.	_________
Continuing Education Even if you get a dog already trained for service work, training must continue for its entire working life. If your disability will limit your training abilities, budget a little more in this category.	_________

Emergency Veterinary Care No matter how well you care for your Service Dog, unexpected expenses will crop up (just as they do for you).	_________
TOTAL Estimated Annual Expenses (time to add it all up)	_________

  I have reviewed our budget with my family.

  I am able to ask for financial help or sponsorship if I have trouble meeting the expense of having a Service Dog.

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