Life-changing companions: How to afford a service dog

If you suffer serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident, they can change your life forever. You may not need to have medical care around the clock, but you may also never get back to the level of mobility you enjoyed before the accident.

In a situation like this, a service dog can be invaluable. This companion not only becomes your best friend, but also helps you do many of the things you can’t do on your own. Even something as simple as their retrieving a dropped item can make life vastly easier for you, and dogs can also help with mental and emotional trauma.

How expensive are they?

That said, service dogs can be very expensive. Remember, they go through years of training that goes far beyond what most pets will ever receive. They are chosen and trained to perform very specific tasks, with the understanding that they may literally be a lifeline for a person with a disability. How can you afford this type of companion?

Fortunately, you have a lot of options. There are numerous grants for you can apply. Some companies provide support, such as the $15 million annually received from PETCO. Additionally, there are ways to cut back on the costs, e.g., claiming them on your taxes, which is honored by the IRS, or finding veterinarians who offer discounted rates for service animals. If you can reduce the costs and then get grants to cover what remains, it becomes quite affordable.

Who caused your injuries?

You also want to consider how the accident happened and who caused your injuries. You may have a right to seek financial compensation.