Service Dogs
Service dogs are specially trained for families of children with autism and related disabilities. All service dogs are placed as teams of three that include the dog, child, and a parent/caregiver who lives with the child and serves as the primary dog handler.
Applications are opening soon. Join our interest list to be notified when we open applications.
ELIGIBILITY
Service dogs are placed as teams of three with families of children with autism and related diagnoses, such as but not limited to Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Apraxia, and ADHD. Good Dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks to mitigate these disabilities.
We believe that each family should be considered individually. Just as our kids are one-of-a-kind, so is each family's situation.
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Read our full client eligibility policy here.
COST OF A DOG
How much does it cost to change a life?
At Good Dog!, we’re committed to making life-changing service dogs accessible to all families in need. It costs an average of $32,000 to raise, care for, and train each dog and to provide lifelong education and support for each family.
We offer two pathways to cover these costs: a fee-for-service program and a fundraising program for families needing financial assistance. Families who can pay the full service fee or have access to state funding contribute $32,000. For those in our fundraising program, families are asked to raise $26,000, with Good Dog! helping to secure the remaining amount. Our goal is for families to receive their service dogs at little to no cost, so we offer individualized coaching and resources to support those who wish to fundraise. Fundraising is never required; however, many families find that the love and support they receive through the process is a healing experience in itself.
Please note that Team Training expenses are not included in the program cost. Families are responsible for covering their travel, lodging, transportation and food expenses for the five-day Team Training in Southern California.
OUR
TRAINING
We use only positive training methods for our dogs, no prong collars, collar corrections or fear or pain-based training of any kind. We use Bonnie Bergin's training methods and philosophies as taught at Bergin University of Canine Studies.
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We are a candidate of Assistance Dogs International and follow their guidelines for dog training and care, and team and support standards.