How much does it cost to train an assistance dog?
Initially, you and your dog will be doing rigorous amounts of training to achieve the high standard required from both of you. The bulk of funding in your assistance dog training budget will be required early on to reflect this.
Down the track, dedicated training may decrease, however you must continue to maintain a certain amount of ongoing training over the dog’s working life. If the training doesn’t continue, your dogs’ incredible abilities will deteriorate.
Some dogs even start to develop unwanted behavioural problems.
Training continues for the entire working life of the dog. It is up to you to stay in touch with your trainer and uphold the high standard of training your dog needs to display at all times.
Please budget for ongoing training costs over the dog’s lifetime.
For detailed information on Super Canine Training Costs please check out our pricing information page.
Assistance Dog Training Budget
A training budget will need to be factored in. Expect to pay up to $6000 for training over 18 months including vaccinations, food, equipment, bedding, toys, etc. Also, any emergencies
that can be very expensive. Every dog and handler team will vary with the amount of
training they require.
Training only goes as fast as the handler and the dog can learn.
Note, A pre-trained dog from an organisation will cost between $30,000 – $50,000 plus a waiting list of up to 2yrs! Not everyone is able to train their own dog.
Dog Insurance
It is highly advisable and up to the dog owner to organise their own comprehensive dog insurance. Shop around and be sure to ask if they offer discounts to certified Assistance Dogs once Public Access Tested (PAT). Don’t forget to ask your insurer about public liability
cover, as you will be accessing places pet dogs cannot go. Each company offers different packages.
Please budget approximately $1,500 per year for this.
NDIS support
An important part of your research when looking into training an assistance dog is looking into NDIS funding for assistance dogs.
Super Canine is not a NDIS provider, invoices for services will be provided to you at the time of consultation and will be required to be paid at the time of service or via an agreed payment plan.
Receipts or paid invoices can then be sent to wherever you need to claim back your fees.
Please read more about assistance animals on the NDIS website.
Importance of a backup plan should you fall ill or are hospitalised.
Who is on your emotional and physical support network list? For example, partner, carer, family members, friends, psychiatric or health professionals?
If you are in hospital do not ask hospital staff to help you look after or toilet your assistance dog. If you are unable to give full care and attention to your assistance dog while you’re in a hospital bed, you will need to arrange a friend/family/carer/support worker to assist with
the dog’s needs.
If you are planning on having your assistance dog up on the hospital bed with you, please have a blanket or towel for the dog to lay on. The dog must be in working attire while in the hospital during the day.
Hungry For More?
Learn more about the stages of development or check out our GHAD Training FAQs
