Affording a Service Dog
Service Dogs can be expensive. This page is designed to present resources and options to help pay for a service dog.
Making a Service Dog Affordable
Assistance Dog United Campaign
This is a nonprofit organization that offers grants to help those with disabilities afford a service dog.
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For more information, visit: https://assistancedogunitedcampaign.org/grant-information/
Go Fund Me
Share your service dog story with friends and family to raise the funds for a service dog
Personal Loan
A personal loan can be a quick option to get funds to pay for a service dog. SoFi personal loans have no added fees and are easy to apply for.
Tax Benefits
In Tennessee and in multiple other states, you can write off any expenses associated with your service dog in taxes.
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What you can write off:
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Cost of the dog
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Veterinary fees
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Food costs
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Other dog related costs (ie: harness, crate, etc)
Service Dog Coaching
Instead of purchasing a fully trained service dog, you may consider employing services to have an evaluator choose a puppy or dog with service dog potential and then you raise the dog.
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The service dog trainer will then coach you through the process of raising and training your own service dog. You may choose to do this through private lessons only and or a combination of private coaching and group classes. The cost of service dog coaching is usually less than $6,000 which is significantly less than a fully trained service dog (starting at $17,000).
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For service dog coaching, please contact Anna McAndrews at knoxservicedogs@gmail.com to get started.