August 26th, 2024 is the next National Dog Day, where we celebrate all the joy and wonder these incredible pets bring into our lives. You can find all kinds of information about local events on Facebook and at your town offices or veterinary clinics. Most likely, there will be a parade, fair, and celebration near your home because dogs are so beloved across the nation.

One aspect of pet ownership many people overlook is service dogs. Not only do these incredible animals provide the companionship we all desire, but they also provide essential services to keep people with disabilities well-prepared and safe. Here are some of the more eye-opening statistics about what are service dogs and how they positively impact our world.

There are About 500,000 Service Dogs in the US

Over 500,000 service dogs work, live, and operate within the United States. That is a lot of kibble to keep these essential pets healthy and ready to address a wide range of issues, from guiding those with blindness to posturing a warning for those with low blood sugar.

Unfortunately, even with so many service dogs out there in the nation, there is still not enough for the demand from those people with needs.

61 Million Adults in the US Have Some Form of Disability

The reason demand for searches online like “how do I apply for a service dog?” are so high is because over 61 million US adults are living with a disability. They need added support for everything from mobility issues to living independently with a good quality of day-to-day life. Without that support, the rates and risk of danger increase.

Service Dogs Take 1 to 2 Years to Train

A fundamental issue with helping all the people possible with proper service animals is that it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years of professional training before a service dog is ready. There are so many crucial skills that must be developed long before a service dog can, for lack of a better term, go “into service” where they are needed.

Receiving a Service Dog Can Take Up to 5 Years

As there are only half a million service dogs working and over 61 million Americans waiting for one, you can imagine the line is getting exponentially longer. People have to wait anywhere from 1 to 5 years before receiving a service dog of their own. It depends on where you source your beloved animals, but that is the average right now.

Service Dogs Can Cost Up to $50K to Property Train

Before you learn how do I apply for a service dog, you need to know the underlying disability you’re seeking support. For example, a guide dog costs anywhere from $20K to $50K to properly train, whereas a dog helping with PTSD could be slightly lower at $10K to $30K. Always speak with trainers and your vet to learn the going rates in your area.

A Professional Dog Trainer Hires at $150-$250 an Hour

Of course, you can always celebrate National Dog Day by hiring a professional service dog trainer for your young pup. This way, you get the dog you’ve already established a relationship with to help support your disability. That being said, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $250 per hour for these highly skilled individuals.

Around Half of All Service Dog Candidates Do Not Complete Training

Different service dog training programs have varying success rates. On average, only half of the dogs in training complete the entire coursework. That makes it even harder to find a pup to keep you or your loved one safe in life. Seeking programs with higher success rates is always a good idea.

Service Dogs FAQs

What Are the Duties of a Service Dog?

Learning what are service dogs is a crucial first step in seeking support. Most of these wonderful animals provide the physical, mobile, or emotional support people need to avoid medical emergencies like seizures, low blood sugar, or accidentally walking into traffic.

Does a Service Dog Need to Be Professionally Trained?

Yes, you must have your service dog professionally trained. Not only is this a legal requirement in many areas, but it also ensures you have the full capability for support needed from that pet. That way, you can rely on these animals to offer support, even in busy public settings.

How Long Does it Take to Apply for a Service Dog?

Finding a quality service dog for your unique needs is highly dependent on your disability and location. Most of the time, you’ll need to go through an extensive interview process, apply, and wait for a certain period before seeing your new pup.

Are Service Animals in Training Considered Service Animals?

Service animals are not legally full service animals until they have successfully completed all their training. That includes emotional support animals. Unless they have been through training and declared a certified/licensed service dog, they are not in that category.

Conclusion

We at Petbobi welcome all service animals. These are such hardworking creatures who are doing so much to improve our world. Hopefully, these top statistics will provide you with the insight needed to develop a solid appreciation of such helpful furry friends.

We also recommend you pick up our Dog Tie-Out Cable in Black to relax with your service animal. That way, when they need a little extra space to practice skills or simply relax in the warm afternoon sun, you’re covered.

Thank you to all the hardworking professionals who are training service dogs. We hope you have a fantastic National Dog Day!