If you are in the process of getting a service dog, one of the first things to start thinking about is fundraising, as this investment can cost thousands of dollars. The cost of these animals depends largely on the program; Some of them are free to qualified low-income families, but the free ones generally have waiting lists that can take years to mate with a dog.
The average service dog costs between $ 20 and $ 30 thousand, and the program asks the handler to cover about $ 10 to $ 15 thousand of the cost (depending on the program). This is a large amount of money for many families and individuals desperately waiting for help. Some people are even put off by the cost and stop trying to get one of these dogs altogether.
While it may seem impossible, there are many ways to raise the necessary money, but it is important to make sure that you can have a dog financially and that you can take all the responsibilities once you have obtained your mate.
If you know you can afford a dog, here are several fundraising ideas to offset the cost of service dog training:
– Friends and Family: Most people will start asking their friends and family for support. You can create a gofundme.com or firstgiving.com account and post it on Facebook and social media describing your situation and asking if someone can help you.
– Donation Jar: Create brochures that explain your situation and attach them to a jar. Ask local businesses, schools and churches if you can place the donation jar on a counter that visitors visit regularly and that you will come collect weekly.
– Sell something handmade – Create small keychains, braided bracelets, dog collars, anything that is very simple to create and does not cost a lot of money along with small information cards about your situation. Then go to local businesses (shopping malls, supermarkets, airports, festivals) and hand out your handmade items asking people for donations. People respond well to this, as they feel they are getting something in return in addition to helping someone.
– Create an Etsy shop: if you are skilled, create something to sell on Etsy.com; Make sure that in the information section you describe your situation and that people know that their purchase is for a great cause and will help someone in need.
– Car wash: go to local schools and explain your situation and ask if the children can do a car wash for your benefit.
– Write letters – Churches love to help those in need. Write a letter to some churches and ask if they can help you sponsor you. Many times the church will make an announcement to the entire congregation during the service asking for donations.
– Eagles, Boys & Girls Scouts – Contact local Boy / Girl Scouts and ask if they can sponsor you. Plus, Eagle Scouts love helping those in need – if you can find someone to work on your certification, they may be willing to help you plan all of your fundraising and do a lot of the work for you.
More creative and festive ideas to raise money:
– Bake sale
– Haunted house
– Cook-off
– Cake walk
– Detailing the car
– Table game tournament
– Sitting dog
– Fried fish
– Dodgeball tournament
– Face painting
– Dirty garage
– Social ice cream
– Outdoor movie night
– Pizza party
– Scrapbooking party
– Skate party
– Silent auction
– Talent contest
– Trivia night
– Garage Sale
– Dog washing
It is important to make sure you follow the instructions regarding donations with your program (if applicable). If you have SSDI or SSI, you need to make sure that these donations do not count as your income, as that could affect your eligibility.
If donations are sent directly to the program, make sure they are clearly addressed to you or indicate “on behalf of ‘your name’.” If you’ve sent donations directly to the program, also ask what happens to the money if you don’t get a dog from them.
Don’t be discouraged or let this be a daunting task, fundraising can be a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people!
