Financial Assistance Sources
Is there any source of financial help for the costs associated with getting and keeping a service dog?
Shore Service Dogs conducts fundraisers and solicits donations to help offset the initial cost of the Service Dogs they provide. Since Service Dogs meet health needs, you should investigate whether you medical insurance or entitlement (Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits) will cover any of the costs.
VA benefits will definitely address some if not all of the costs of a Service Dog as dictated by H.R. 3447. More information about VA benefits and how to go about obtaining a Service Dog may be found at:
www.military.com/MilitaryReport/0,12914,MR_VA_Service_Dogs,00.html
www.congress.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c107:S.1160:
www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h107-3447
www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h107-3447&tab=summary
Additional resources are available in some states.
California:
www.pai-ca.org/newsltrs/issue60/servdog.htm
Check with your local state health services departments to see if your state has any similar programs.
Other possible resources for financial assistance are civic and charitable organizations. These organizations can include local:
- Lions.
- Elks.
- Chamber of Commerce.
- diagnosis-related associations.
- alumni associations.
- other resources.
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Network within your community and the resources listed to locate possible funding sources. Remember also that you can conduct your own fundraising efforts to help with the cost of training a dog for your needs.
Finally, the Assistance Dog United Campaign (ADUC) provides financial assistance in the form of vouchers to individuals with disabilities seeking to obtain a service dog/assistance dog from a member program. For more information about ADUC and how to apply for a voucher, please visit: www.assistancedogunitedcampaign.org/index.html
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