As service dogs become more popular every year, I am noticing so many people rushing to the different SD forums and chat groups wanting to know how to go about getting their own service dog. I do think most are well-intentioned but have not done a lot of research about everything it takes to own a service dog. I also want to put out there that my service dog has been a life-changing transformation for me, but as with most things in the world it has had its costs.
Monetary Costs:
If you were to buy a trained Service dog plan for a minimum of $10,000 (US) though normally 20-40k s more typical. Self-training is an option that will dramatically lower money costs the time sink is very real. Plan on spending several hours each day training for the next 2 years.
Several hundred dollars a year for vet bills. Vaccinations are a must.
Another couple hundred dollars a year for grooming. Some people rely on their own grooming, but many of us want to treat our dogs to a few spa days a year.
And another couple of hundred a year for food.
These are just the typical basics.
Daily/Weekly Time Sinks
Dogs need exercise. Every day the dog should be taken out for exercise. Most recommend 30 minutes to an hour every day. Personally, I think this depends on the dog and the breed. My Border Collie needs more than that. We spend about 2 hours minimum every day either walking or playing frisbee. This is ON TOP of their normal activities.
Grooming, Nails, Teeth cleaning. It is very important that when you take your dog out that he/she looks the part.
(Unwanted) Attention
Ever want to go somewhere and be left alone, or not have eyes on you where ever you go? Well, it is NOT going to happen to you while you have a dog by your side. You are going to be an oddity, people are going to stare. Extroverts are going to approach you to talk to you. Kids will charge you so they can pet your dog.
New service dog teams have a very hard time with this, even if they start off liking the extra attention. I put off getting a service dog for a very long time due to this attention. Over time I not only learned to accept it but have gotten to the point where I like it in most circumstances because it gives me a chance to educate people on what a service dog can do and what the public should do when they see a team, what's acceptable and what is not. Also, I have found that it is important to me to take remove some of the myths and stereotypes that some people believe.
But, overall, no matter what a service dog team is always going to feel people watching them. All the time. Should it be this way? No, but human curiosity will always be prevalent.
Time alone?
Never again! Welcome to a new world, you are not a single entity any longer, you now have 2 parts. Human you and your other half, dog-you. For the most part, your dog will (should) go everywhere you go.
Want to go on a date? Typically it is going to be you, your date, and your plus 1. We have to always plan with our dog in mind. This can be the focus of many confrontations within a family group especially when it comes to get-togethers and vacations.
Now, I will point out that there are times when I leave the dog at home. I know my wife can help me through my problem moments, and she understands that my dog is more an extension of me than just a simple dog. Our default is that the dog goes wherever she and I go, but she knows that she can ask for a "you and me night" and the dog stays put for the day or evening and it is just she and I.
Denials
This is something all teams will go through from time to time. Denied access because of our service dog. Overall this typically is a rare problem, but it is a constant worry. There are laws that protect us but the problem is that most people do not know of the service dog laws from the ADA, FHA, or State. It is important for us to remember we make up less than 0.1% of the population, so we are unicorns.
Planning what you are going to do if/when you get denied entry is the biggest hurdle. I make sure I have my ADA cards with me and for the most part that settles the gatekeepers down. But, this is one of the things all of us have to deal with from time to time.
Family
This is one of those subjects I see over and over, typically with extended family or family the team does not live with. Everyone has their own opinions as such they are very hard to change. For important events like family reunions, baptisms, and weddings see specific requests to service dog teams to please do not bring your dog.. Especially things like weddings. This is a very hard position for all of us. It will come down to the handler how to handle the situation. Personally, I see my service dog as an extension of me. If he is not invited then am I really invited? Normally the answer is no.
Now, I am sure there are many more negatives about having a service dog. Please share any insights you have found about this.
If you were to buy a trained Service dog plan for a minimum of $10,000 (US) though normally 20-40k s more typical. Self-training is an option that will dramatically lower money costs the time sink is very real. Plan on spending several hours each day training for the next 2 years.
Several hundred dollars a year for vet bills. Vaccinations are a must.
Another couple hundred dollars a year for grooming. Some people rely on their own grooming, but many of us want to treat our dogs to a few spa days a year.
And another couple of hundred a year for food.
These are just the typical basics.
Daily/Weekly Time Sinks
Dogs need exercise. Every day the dog should be taken out for exercise. Most recommend 30 minutes to an hour every day. Personally, I think this depends on the dog and the breed. My Border Collie needs more than that. We spend about 2 hours minimum every day either walking or playing frisbee. This is ON TOP of their normal activities.
Grooming, Nails, Teeth cleaning. It is very important that when you take your dog out that he/she looks the part.
(Unwanted) Attention
Ever want to go somewhere and be left alone, or not have eyes on you where ever you go? Well, it is NOT going to happen to you while you have a dog by your side. You are going to be an oddity, people are going to stare. Extroverts are going to approach you to talk to you. Kids will charge you so they can pet your dog.
New service dog teams have a very hard time with this, even if they start off liking the extra attention. I put off getting a service dog for a very long time due to this attention. Over time I not only learned to accept it but have gotten to the point where I like it in most circumstances because it gives me a chance to educate people on what a service dog can do and what the public should do when they see a team, what's acceptable and what is not. Also, I have found that it is important to me to take remove some of the myths and stereotypes that some people believe.
But, overall, no matter what a service dog team is always going to feel people watching them. All the time. Should it be this way? No, but human curiosity will always be prevalent.
Time alone?
Never again! Welcome to a new world, you are not a single entity any longer, you now have 2 parts. Human you and your other half, dog-you. For the most part, your dog will (should) go everywhere you go.
Want to go on a date? Typically it is going to be you, your date, and your plus 1. We have to always plan with our dog in mind. This can be the focus of many confrontations within a family group especially when it comes to get-togethers and vacations.
Now, I will point out that there are times when I leave the dog at home. I know my wife can help me through my problem moments, and she understands that my dog is more an extension of me than just a simple dog. Our default is that the dog goes wherever she and I go, but she knows that she can ask for a "you and me night" and the dog stays put for the day or evening and it is just she and I.
This is something all teams will go through from time to time. Denied access because of our service dog. Overall this typically is a rare problem, but it is a constant worry. There are laws that protect us but the problem is that most people do not know of the service dog laws from the ADA, FHA, or State. It is important for us to remember we make up less than 0.1% of the population, so we are unicorns.
Planning what you are going to do if/when you get denied entry is the biggest hurdle. I make sure I have my ADA cards with me and for the most part that settles the gatekeepers down. But, this is one of the things all of us have to deal with from time to time.
Family
This is one of those subjects I see over and over, typically with extended family or family the team does not live with. Everyone has their own opinions as such they are very hard to change. For important events like family reunions, baptisms, and weddings see specific requests to service dog teams to please do not bring your dog.. Especially things like weddings. This is a very hard position for all of us. It will come down to the handler how to handle the situation. Personally, I see my service dog as an extension of me. If he is not invited then am I really invited? Normally the answer is no.
Now, I am sure there are many more negatives about having a service dog. Please share any insights you have found about this.
