The cost of that puppy you want to train as a service dog

AS YOU RESEARCH DIABETIC ALERT DOGS, it is helpful to have an idea of costs involved in acquiring them in a variety of ways. One way to get a DAD is to buy a puppy and train him yourself. What follows are estimates but I hope they will help you make an informed decision about the best road for you and your family.

I start with a Lab puppy because it is the breed I've worked with most ... not because it is the only breed that can do the job. The cost of a Labrador retriever  puppy from a reputable breeder will be between $1,200 and $1,500. This price will usually include the first set of shots, de-worming, and sometimes micro-chipping. It will not include delivery. 

The first year of a puppy’s life is very expensive. The chart below is an estimate of costs for that first year, which vary considerably depending on where you live. The estimate does not include the cost of a fence for your puppy or emergency medical costs if your puppy gets sick or is injured. The first chart does not include diabetic alert dog training. You will find that estimate further down the page.

Annual Costs for a Large Breed Dog
Food (premium dry kibble)	$235
Recurring Medical (exams, vaccinations, heart-worm and flea/tick preventative)	$260
Toys/Treats	$175
License	$15
Health Insurance (Some policies cover spay/neuter, vaccinations and heart-worm medication. Deductible will also vary depending on the policy.)	$225
Annual Total	$910
ADDITIONAL FIRST-YEAR COSTS
Initial puppy wellness examination	$125
Spay/Neuter (may be covered by insurance)	$220
Collars/Leashes	$75
Service dog vest	$65
Crate	$125
Obedience Class	$110
First Year Subtotal	$720
Puppy	$1,500
TOTAL FIRST-YEAR COSTS	$3,130

That $3,130 does not include service dog training. Here is an example of training costs associated with a family training a puppy to become a DAD. These are first-year costs only.
 

EXAMPLES OF UNIQUE FIRST-YEAR COSTS FOR DAD PUPPIES
DAD training manual	$325
Phone consultations with DAD trainer – 1 per month x 12 months	$900
Three 2-day in-home visits from DAD trainer	$1,800
DAD trainer travel expenses for three 2-day visits. These costs depend on location. Airfare is the biggest variable in the list of travel expenses.	$2,400
Total unique first year costs	$5,425

Estimated cost of year #1 with

your DAD puppy:

$8,555

Please understand that training does not end after the first year. You will continue training your DAD pup through his second birthday and beyond. In future posts, I will address the kinds of training your puppy needs (obedience, scent, public access) and some of your other questions, including:

• Do I have to have the help of a service dog trainer?
• Can I train my family dog to be a DAD?
• What other breeds can be DADs other than Labs?
• Can my DAD be a rescue dog?
• Do I really need health insurance for my dog?
• I've never had a dog. How do I know if I can train one? 
• Can I hire a local obedience trainer to help me?
• If I don't want to train my own puppy, what are my other options?

For now, continue your research. Engage in conversation with people who have DADs, train them, and breed them. Take your time. Make an informed decision - the right one for your family.

Note: Fees vary among service dog trainers.