If you’ve got diabetes, a service dog could save your life. If you think you can’t afford one, we’ve got good news. In this post, we’re going to reveal a few resources that can help you get a diabetic service dog for free!
Organizations that Provide Free Diabetic Service Dogs
There are a handful of organizations around the country that provide diabetic service dogs for free to eligible people who need them. These organizations each set their own requirements for eligibility, so we’ll break this down by organization for you.
However, it’s important to remember that most organizations that offer free service dogs will require you to travel to their facility to participate in on-site training with the dog before you can take it home. Even if they are willing to train and give you the dog for free, these organizations typically do not cover the cost of your travel or lodging expenses. You will usually be expected to cover those costs on your own. This is something you should ask about early in the process and be prepared for, so it doesn’t catch you off guard later.
That being said, here’s the list of organizations that will train and place diabetic service dogs for free.
Dogs 4 Diabetics
Diabetics 4 Dogs has set records as the first service dog provider for insulin-dependent diabetics and the first scientifically-trained alert team. Their organization provides diabetic service dogs for free but they do charge a $250 fee for their class supplies, dog supplies and administration costs.
In order to receive an application from this organization, you must first participate in their Pre-Application Workshop. This is also called PAWS. You can watch one of the PAWS videos and take a quiz on their website. After you have finished the quiz, you’ll receive an application.
Ron & Vicki Santo Diabetic Alert Dog Foundation
The Ron & Vicki Santo Foundation helps people who can’t afford a diabetic service dog on their own. The organization has helped match many patients with a trained animal that can help keep them safe from diabetic highs and lows.
In order to receive help from this organization, you need to fill out the application on their website. They do not list any specific eligibility criteria that we could find, but it is clear from their past matches that they serve both children and adults.
Can Do Canines (Minnesota & Wisconsin Only)
Can Do Canines provides free diabetic service dogs to disabled people in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Their dogs are specially trained to help with mobility, diabetes, hearing, seizures, and autism needs.
In order to be eligible for this program, you need to meet these requirements:
- You must live in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
- You must need help with autism, mobility, hearing, diabetes or seizure assistance.
If you are eligible and your application is approved, the service dog will be trained and placed with you at no cost. However, they will expect you to be able to afford the ongoing care and support of your dog, which includes food, supplies, wellness care, emergency veterinary care and more.
You can request a free service dog from Can Do Canines by completing the application on their website.
Other Ways to Get Diabetic Service Dogs
If you do not qualify for any of the free programs outlined above, there are still ways that you can receive help with the cost of a diabetic service dog. These options are not free but they can help reduce the cost for you.
- 4 Paws for Ability provides discounted diabetic service dogs to children and veterans. Thanks to their generous donors, those who receive help from this organization only need to pay half the overall cost. Their website says that very few families pay for their dogs, because fundraisers can help cover the cost.
- Diabetic Alert Dogs of America has a financing option for people who can’t afford the up-front cost of a diabetic service dog.
- Early Alert Canines is another organization that trains dogs for this purpose. They offset most of the cost through fundraising and only require recipients to pay a portion of the cost. There is a $150 application fee and a team training class fee of $5,000.
If all else fails, you can try to raise the funds on GoFundMe, GiveSendGo or a similar crowdfunding platform.
About Diabetic Service Dogs
Diabetic service dogs (DADs) are super special dogs that help people with diabetes. They can smell tiny changes in blood sugar, even before their owner feels sick or their glucose monitor beeps. This gives people with diabetes more time to take care of themselves.
Here are some benefits to having a trained service dog to help manage your diabetes:
- Alerting to high/low blood sugar: They may nudge, bark, or exhibit other trained behaviors to notify their handler.
- Retrieving medication or supplies: They can fetch glucose tablets, insulin, or testing kits when needed.
- Providing comfort and emotional support: Their presence can alleviate anxiety and stress associated with managing diabetes.
The average cost to train a service dog with these skills is around $30,000 to $40,000. This can be tough for many people to afford, which is why it is so wonderful that so many organizations are committed to giving away diabetic service dogs for free or reduced costs to those that need them.
Relief Recap
Now that you know how to get a diabetic service dog for free, it’s time to start filling out those applications. Contact the organizations in our list to find out how they can help you stay safe, watched over and protected by one of their highly-trained, specialized service animals.