Imagine a world where dogs can be trained to perform life-changing tasks that transform the lives of those living with disabilities. For many individuals with disabilities, this world is a reality, thanks to the incredible work of medical service dogs. These specially trained dogs provide critical assistance that enhances their recipients’ independence and quality of life.
However, training and providing these remarkable animals to recipients is complex and costly—an endeavor made even more challenging by the rising tide of inflation. In this post, we will explore the importance of donations in sustaining this vital mission, how inflation impacts the cost of service dog programs, and how you can make a difference.
The Power of Medical Service Dogs
Medical service dogs are more than pets; they are lifelines for individuals with permanent disabilities. From assisting with mobility issues to providing assistance to those with PTSD, these dogs help recipients lead fuller, more independent lives. The bond between a service dog and its recipient is unbreakable, built on trust, training, and a dedication to providing a new leash on life to veterans and first responders living with permanent disabilities.
Rising Training and Care Costs Due to Inflation
Historically, the expense of creating an entirely competent medical service dog was significant, with an average cost of about $37,000 for each canine. This cost incorporated inclusive training programs, healthcare, nutrition, and maintenance, all overseen by highly skilled professionals. However, the financial environment has witnessed drastic changes recently, causing a surge in these expenses due to inflation.
In the year 2023, inflationary pressure affecting all industries resulted in a steep increase in the price of dog food. The cost initially rose by 15%, but it later jumped to an astonishing 30% increase. This inflation didn’t spare utility bills, fuel prices, and other essentials either, leading to a rise in the cost of maintaining our facilities and enabling staff to assist beneficiaries.
Such increases represent a substantial financial challenge, underscoring the relentless rise in the overall cost of producing service dogs.
The extensive training regimen for a medical service dog goes far beyond basic obedience. These dogs are equipped with specialized skills tailored to assist with various disabilities. The rigorous training process, spanning months, ensures each dog can reliably perform tasks that enhance their human partner’s independence and well-being.
Beyond training, significant investments are made in each dog’s health and nutrition. Regular veterinary care, quality nutrition, and preventive measures constitute a considerable portion of the overall costs, all of which have been affected by inflation.
The Role of Donations in Our Mission
Donations are crucial in bridging the gap between rising costs and the ongoing need for medical service dogs. Financial support from the community enables organizations to maintain the quality of training and care these dogs receive. It also allows for the expansion of programs to reach more individuals in need.
When someone sponsors a dog, they receive “Pup Dates” every quarter, which include a picture of their growing puppy and a paragraph or two about what the dog is currently learning. Sponsors can follow the dog up to the point of pairing and then receive a thank-you video from the recipient. This transparency ensures that sponsors know exactly how their money is being utilized.
Our Training and Pairing Process
In addition to extensive training and care, the Recipient Relations Department works with recipients from the first inquiry through the pairing process and throughout the life of the team. Office personnel and the Finance Department help keep bookkeeping, documentation, and more in order. The Development team is another critical component, helping to bring in the funding required to care for, train, and pair our service dogs with recipients.
Once the pairing process begins, we cover the full costs of bringing the recipient to our campus, where they will be trained and paired with their service dog. We pay for these expenses to ensure there are no financial roadblocks for our recipients.
How Your Donation Makes a Difference
Your contribution, no matter its size, makes a meaningful difference. It ensures that the next service dog can complete their training and become a lifeline for someone struggling to regain their independence and confidence. Together, we can help cover the unseen costs behind each service dog’s journey and continue transforming lives, one incredible dog at a time.
With our community of supporters, we are able to make recovery and independence a reality for many veterans and others in need. When you support Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, you give those in need a life-saving companion who can give them their life back.
If you are inspired by the incredible work of medical service dogs and want to make a difference, consider making a donation today. Your support will help us continue our mission and ensure that more individuals can benefit from the companionship and assistance of a medical service dog.
Sponsor a Service Dog Today!
The rising costs of producing medical service dogs pose a significant challenge, yet the need for these incredible animals continues to grow. Financial support from the community has never been more critical. It enables organizations to maintain the quality of training and care these dogs receive and expand their programs to reach more needy individuals.
By donating to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, you are not just contributing to the cost of training and caring for these animals. You are helping to create unbreakable bonds between service dogs and their human partners, transforming lives and fostering independence.
Join us in making a difference. With your support, we can continue to provide life-changing service dogs to those in need, ensuring everyone can lead a fuller, more independent life. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our mission.
Mrs. Borden’s expertise and accomplishments are acknowledged by numerous national awards from various industries and agencies including the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year and multiple awards for her organization’s work in mental health and suicide prevention.
She is frequently requested as a Keynote Speaker, and as an Industry Consultant to teach service dog laws to judicial systems, attorneys, and businesses, and to assist in service dog bills in multiple states that were passed into law. In 2020, she started an Institute for Higher Learning and the Borden Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she has written and teaches college-accredited/VA-approved apprenticeship courses on dog training and service dog training.
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