Clients of PAWS Training Centers reap significant benefits that many reputable non-profit service dog organizations do not offer:

• 1. The most common is that PAWS Training Centers is able to train clients’ privately owned dogs, assuming those dogs prove to be good candidates. Most non-profit organizations breed and train their own dogs and do not train their clients’ pet dogs.
• 2.We train dogs for clients of all ages. Sometimes the handler of the dog is not the actual client and is instead the client’s parent, guardian, or caretaker. There are no age requirements for handlers, but they must be able to give cues, corrections, and properly handle the dog throughout each phase of the Service Dog Training Program.
• 3. Our clients are involved in every step of the training process from the beginning to the end, including lessons that we conduct in our clients’ homes.
• 4. There are no wait times with PAWS Training Centers. Most non-profit organizations have lengthy waiting lists (sometimes a few years) to receive a dog.
• 5. Non-profit organizations typically receive a large number of applications, but very few individuals are accepted because there are a limited number of dogs available.
• 6. Your dog’s training will be customized to your needs rather than having generalized disability mitigation training that may not apply to you.

The length of training is different for every dog and there are many factors that need to be taken into account (i.e. age of dog, trainability, cue/skill sets they need to acquire, and level of involvement of the owner/handler). Sometimes training can take in excess of 1 year to complete depending on these factors.

The cost depends on how much training is involved and the length of time the training will take. Payments are scheduled throughout the course of training to help make this program affordable to as many clients’ budgets as possible. (See “How does the training work?” for a comprehensive breakdown of costs.) Also, see the following cost estimates:

Many of our clients fundraise to help with the cost of training prior to starting the training process. We have had clients start online fundraisers or ask different businesses in their community to help with the cost. As much as we would like to help in the training process, if you are unable to pay for training and are unable to fundraise, PAWS Training Centers is unable to train you or your dog. An alternative is applying to a non-profit organization that provides service dogs.

Likely. Costs associated with purchase of a dog, training costs, veterinarian bills, food if prescribed by the veterinarian, and other expenses may all be tax deductible! Please consult your tax preparer for additional information.