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Therapy dogs: The low-down

By Vanessa Rodriguez

LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 26: Anna Britton, 88-years-old, reaches out to Kirby, a Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT program) dog dressed in a sheep Halloween costume while visiting with hospital patients at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center October 26, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The PAT program began at the hospital in 1990 to bring specially-trained therapy dogs to patients' bedsides twice each week. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 26: Anna Britton, 88-years-old, reaches out to Kirby, a Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT program) dog dressed in a sheep Halloween costume while visiting with hospital patients at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center October 26, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The PAT program began at the hospital in 1990 to bring specially-trained therapy dogs to patients' bedsides twice each week. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) /
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Dogs are already heroes. None more heroic than the therapy dogs and service animals that help numbers of our disabled community. Here is the information you will need on services offered, costs, and training.

Therapy dogs offer a variety of services. To begin, they can offer support to the old, individuals in hospice, and the ill residing in hospitals. They give joy to those going through the most difficult time. Some dogs receive training to aid particular disabilities, these are service dogs. Service dogs can be trained to help the blind, deaf, the immobile, and even the mentally disabled. Epileptics, autistic children and adults, and those that suffer from diabetes can also receive treatment from service dogs.

For those just looking for a companion, just getting a dog will do. This doesn’t mean you can’t train your dog to become licensed as a therapy dog. The certification will allow your dog to accompany you if you suffer from mood disorders that need the support of your pup. If you suffer from any disabilities, training a dog for your own services, is the most affordable.

Service dogs come with a heavy price-tag. They can cost anywhere between $15,000-60,000. It all depends on the company. 4 Paws for Ability, a popular service dog company, is one of the most expensive options. However, they do offer select services, such as therapy dogs for those with epilepsy or autism.

There is aid if you can’t afford services on your own. You can apply for grants or coverage through your insurance. There is also crowdfunding websites, such as GoFundMe, where you can raise the money for you and your dog. While taking out a loan can be the last resort, you can also find public funding such as non-profit organizations to help you with costs. Therapy dog companies do offer payment plans if you need them.

Therapy training can be done through the AKC therapy dog program. This certification will allow your dog to volunteer in hospitals, schools, and events in select places that dog’s are usually not allowed. The program with the AKC will need you to certify and register your dog. From there, you and your dog must put in visits to qualify for the title you are applying. For example, if you want your dog to volunteer at a hospital and an AKC Therapy Dog Advanced title, this will require 100 visits to a recognized organization.

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If you want your pooch recognized as an emotional support animal you can register them with the US Dog Registry. You can do this in three easy steps.

In the event you want your dog to gain service dog training, you will need to research services in your area. Service training will require money and time, so if you have that available, invest in your dogs education. Having your own dog trained for disability services will cut yearly costs for assistance. If you’re still considering getting a puppy to train, consider these breeds: Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and Border Collie.

If you require services or know someone who could use a therapy dog refer them to this post. No one should go without the love and support of a philanthropic dog.

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