Do You Qualify for an Assistance Dog?

In the United States, you must have a disability that an assistance dog can help mitigate.  Comfort and companionship, while invaluable, doesn’t count.  Retrieving dropped items, bringing a juice box or getting help when needed would be examples of qualifying disabilities.  

You think you want an assistance dog?

Getting an assistance dog is an exciting and life changing decision!  You’ve seen assistance dogs in public and how they help their person navigate the world.  You want that experience, too.  But before you dive head long into this new world, let’s talk about what all of this entails.  

Time and Money

Do you have the time, dedication and finances to add this amazing dog to your life?  The initial cost is expensive!  Your future dog has been carefully bred and cared for during its first 2 years of life.  All of its breeding, training, vet care and love culminates in placement with you.  

Are you able to afford the placement fee and then the necessary upkeep?  Food, grooming, vet care and daily essentials have a cost.  Quality dog food must be fed.  Grooming and bathing have a cost and take time.  Exercise is essential, too!  Oh, and training must be kept up!  You dog has been in training since the day it was born.  Once the dog is placed with you, you are responsible to maintain the skills it’s been taught.  Just like doing regular maintenance on a vehicle, you must keep up with the skills of your dog.

What about taking your dog out to potty?  Of course you will need to attend to these needs.  What if it’s raining?  Snowing?  Just nasty hot or cold?  Are you willing and able to do this?  

Then there is the attention you will receive when going out in public.  I will tell you, it is getting better out there!  Most people have become accustomed to seeing working dogs in public and know to leave them alone.  But, not all.  There will be those who will ask personal questions, want to pet your dog and generally be rude.  Can you handle that gracefully?  Remember you are always an advocate for the health and safety your dog and a representative for the organization that trained your dog.

An assistance dog can be a great help to regaining independence, bringing you love and companionship and change your life.  What do you think?  Ready to enter a new world?  Contact us and let’s talk!