Pricing
Service Dog Training Cost & Pricing
If you’re considering a service dog, understanding the cost is an important part of deciding what comes next. We believe knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared for the journey, from the introductory program through your dog’s graduation.
Because service dog training is tailored to each person and dog, the total cost depends primarily on how long your dog needs to complete training.
How Much Does Service Dog Training Cost?
Every person and dog comes to service dog training with different needs. The amount of training required can vary depending on the tasks your dog needs to learn and how quickly they progress.
Here’s what you can expect when you begin:
$400
4-Week Introductory Program
A four-week introduction for individuals seeking a personal service dog. Learn what the program involves and what to expect before beginning full training.
$3,000
Initial Payment
The initial payment to begin the full service dog training program. This amount remains the same regardless of your disability or training needs.
$250 / Month
Until Your Dog Graduates
A monthly payment that continues throughout your dog’s training. Payments end once your dog completes training and graduates.
Your total cost depends primarily on how long your dog takes to graduate. PTSD service dogs often finish within about one year, bringing the total to approximately $6,000. Autism, seizure-alert, and wheelchair-related cases often require more training time because of the added complexity, with total costs typically around $7,500 to $8,000 or more.
More complex needs generally mean a longer training period, which means more monthly payments before your dog graduates.
Why Does Service Dog Training Take Different Amounts of Time?
Every person has different needs, and every dog learns at their own pace. Saving Grace takes those differences into account rather than expecting every service dog to follow the same timeline.
Training may address needs related to:
Autism
PTSD
Seizure alerts
POTS alerts
Mobility and balance support
Amputee support
Vertigo
Chronic back issues
Other mobility limitations
The number and complexity of tasks can affect how long training takes. A dog learning several specialized tasks may need more time than a dog with a simpler training plan.
That’s why the monthly payment stays the same while the total cost changes based on the time your dog needs to graduate.
Note: Saving Grace doesn’t currently train guide dogs for people who are blind.
What Does the Service Dog Training Fee Not Cover?
Every person and dog comes to service dog training with different needs. The amount of training required can vary depending on the tasks your dog needs to learn and how quickly they progress.
Here’s what you can expect when you begin:
Food
Leashes and basic supplies
Routine veterinary care
Other typical costs of dog ownership
These are expenses you would generally have with any dog, whether or not they’re being trained as a service dog.
What If I Need Help Covering the Cost?
We understand that service dog training can be a significant expense, especially for families already managing other costs related to disability care. For some families, help from their community can make the cost more manageable. Family and friends, churches, local businesses, and community organizations may contribute toward training, while others have raised funds through GoFundMe or found individual sponsors who contribute each month until their dog graduates.
Saving Grace doesn’t manage fundraising directly and does not currently offer financing or scholarships. We encourage families who need financial assistance to explore the people, organizations, and fundraising options available in their own communities.
How Does Saving Grace’s Pricing Compare?
The cost of service dog training varies significantly between organizations. Specialized service dogs from other providers can cost $15,000 to $35,000 or more, depending on the organization, training model, and type of service dog.
Saving Grace is able to keep personal service dog training more accessible by operating on a smaller scale and without the same overhead as larger organizations.
Keeping costs lower doesn’t mean cutting corners on your dog’s training. Each dog receives the time and individualized instruction needed to prepare them for the work they will do alongside their handler.
Frequently Asked Questions About Service Dog Training Pricing
Is the $400 introductory program required?
Yes. The four-week introductory program helps you understand the commitment involved and determine whether personal service dog training is right for you before entering the full program. It also helps us to fully determine your needs and assist you in finding the right dog.
What payment methods does Saving Grace accept?
Saving Grace accepts payment by check or Cash App.
Can I use my own dog for service dog training?
Yes. If you already have a dog, Saving Grace can evaluate them to determine whether they are suitable for service dog work. If your dog isn’t a good candidate, Saving Grace can help you find another dog that may be better suited for training.
How old can my dog be to start service dog training?
Dogs older than four years are not accepted into the program. Because service dog training can take 1.5 to 2 years and working service dogs typically retire around eight or nine years old, starting with a younger dog helps provide more time for them to serve as a working partner.
What if I don’t have a dog?
You don’t need to own a dog before beginning the program. Saving Grace can help you find an appropriate puppy from a reputable breeder, or help you find a rescue dog, for personal service dog training.
How long does service dog training take?
The timeline depends on your dog and the tasks they need to learn. PTSD service dogs often graduate within about a year, while autism, seizure-alert, and mobility-related training may take longer because of the additional skills involved.
What happens if I need to stop training?
Training can be paused for legitimate circumstances, such as illness or hospitalization, and resumed later. Fees already paid are not refundable. If you discontinue the program, you keep your dog and future monthly payments stop.
What happens if my dog doesn’t graduate?
Washouts are uncommon, but they can happen. If your dog is unable to complete training successfully, Saving Grace will work with you to transition to another dog under the original program fee.
What support is available after my dog graduates?
Saving Grace provides lifetime support by text or phone if questions or concerns come up with your service dog. You can continue to reach out for guidance throughout your dog’s working life.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward a Service Dog?
If you’re looking for a service dog to support you or someone you love, Saving Grace is here to help you begin that journey.
"*" indicates required fields