How to Get a Service Dog for Free

You may be able to get a free service dog! Low Income Relief has a long history of helping low income people figure out how to get a free service dog from charitable organizations across America.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find a list of organizations that generously provide service dogs for free. This resource is invaluable for those in need of a service dog but facing financial constraints. Additionally, we’ve included important advice on identifying and avoiding common pitfalls in the process.

About Free Service Dogs

Service dogs are specially trained to do certain tasks to help people with disabilities or specific health needs in their everyday lives. This requires extensive training, which is usually quite expensive.

This is quite different from emotional support animals, which mainly provide comfort and emotional backing but aren’t trained for particular tasks. Emotional support animals don’t have the same kind of training to perform measurable assistance like service dogs do.

How can a free service dog help you?

If you’re disabled, you may be able to enjoy greater independence and freedom with a trained companion. Service dogs are not pets.

They are trained assistants that can help with specific tasks, depending on whether you are blind, deaf, mobility impaired or living with another disability. Service animals can even be trained to help with mental health challenges!

Service dogs are trained to perform a variety of tasks tailored to assist individuals with disabilities. Some common tasks include:

• Visual Assistance: Guiding individuals with visual impairments through various environments.
• Auditory Alerts: Alerting hearing-impaired individuals to important sounds like alarms or doorbells.
• Mobility Support: Providing stability and support for those with mobility challenges, aiding in movement and balance.
• Medical Alerts: Detecting and responding to medical emergencies like seizures or cardiac episodes, alerting the individual or others.

Beyond these, service dogs can be trained for numerous other specific tasks based on the unique needs of their owner. These tasks can include:

• Activating light switches.
• Retrieving items such as dropped objects or specific items.
• Opening and closing doors.
• Handling transactions with cashiers.
• Carrying items in a backpack or bag.
• Pulling a wheelchair.
• Reminding their owner to take medication.
• Pressing buttons for handicap-accessible doors.
• Helping with household tasks like unloading laundry.

The range of tasks a service dog can perform is vast and is always closely aligned with the specific requirements of the owner’s disability. This personalization ensures that the service dog is a valuable and effective aid in the daily life of the individual they are assisting.

What are the requirements for a service dog?

The requirements for a service dog primarily include:

• Task-Specific Training: The dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks that assist with the handler’s disability.
• Behavior Standards: The dog should behave well in public, not showing aggression or disruptive behavior.
• Health and Maintenance: The dog must be in good health, properly vaccinated, and well-cared for.

It’s important to note that there are no breed restrictions for service dogs, and they do not need to be certified or registered with any government entity. The key is their ability to perform tasks directly related to the handler’s disability.

How do I qualify for a service dog?

To qualify for a service dog, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Have a Documented Disability: You must have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This can be a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
• Task Requirement: The service dog must be able to perform specific tasks or work directly related to your disability.
• Ability to Care for the Dog: You should be capable of taking care of the dog, or have arrangements in place for its care.

A healthcare provider, like a doctor or therapist, can help determine if a service dog would be beneficial for your specific disability and needs. They can also provide documentation that supports your need for a service dog. Most service dog trainers, especially those who provide free service dogs, will require documentation from your local physician.

How to Get a Service Dog for FREE

If you need a service animal but can’t afford it, you’re in the right place! There are several organizations that can help you get a service dog for free or reduced cost – and we’ve got the whole list below.

Our list is organized by medical need. Please note that some of these organizations will help you figure out how to get a service dog for free, while others will only help with part of the cost associated with obtaining a service animal.

America’s VetDogs

America’s VetDogs serves veterans, first-responders and active-duty military members. They can place a service animal with you in 12 months or less!

In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be ONE of the following:
  • You are a veteran who has served in the military and received an honorable discharge; OR
  • You must be an active servicemember who has commander approval to remain stateside; OR
  • You must be a first responder with a work-related disability
• You must be physically disabled, OR visually impaired, OR hearing impaired.
• You must be sober and free from substance use for at least 12 months.
• You must live in the United States or Canada.
• You must have stable living arrangements.
• You must participate in a two-week training program.
• You must be able to financially support and provide for your service animal.

If you are eligible, you can fill out the application on America’s VetDogs website.

Can Do Canines

Can Do Canines provides free 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.

You can request a free service dog from Can Do Canines by completing the application on their website.

Canine Companions

Canine Campions provides free service dogs to low income people with disabilities. Their dogs can assist with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities. They also have hearing dogs and dogs that can assist with PTSD as well.

In order to be eligible for this program, you need to met the following requirements:

• You must be at least 5 years old to receive a service dog.
• You must have the financial ability to support and care for your service dog.
• You must demonstrate that a service animal would improve your quality of life.
• You must NOT need a guide dog, or help with seizures, diabetes, balance, behavioral managing, supervision, or aggression.

If you would like to apply for a free service dog from Canine Companions, you can complete the application on their website.

Dogs for Better Lives

Dogs for Better Lives may be able to give you a service dog for free if you have autism or hearing loss. Their programs are not available nationwide yet but their program is expanding!

In order to get help from this organization, you must meet these eligibility requirements:

• You must have a relevant diagnosis.
• You must be able to demonstrate that a service dog will improve your quality of life.
• You must live in an area where they are currently placing animals.

As of this update, Dogs for Better Lives is currently providing free autism service dogs in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. It is unclear if they have geographic restrictions for hearing dogs.

You can learn more and apply at the Dogs for Better Lives website.

Fidelco Guide Dogs

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation provides free guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired. You can also get free training and free annual at-home follow-up visits as well.

This organization only trains German Shepherd dogs that are bred from Bavarian stock. The dogs are selectively bred for critical features like intelligence, temperament, stamina and stability.

You must meet the following requirements to get a service dog for free from Fidelco:

• You must be legally blind.
• You must be able to walk at least 30 minutes without stopping to rest.
• You must be capable of independent travel. This means you need to have at least two walking-only routes that you travel several times a week without anyone’s assistance. These routes must be 20-30 minutes away from the home.
• You must have had Orientation and Mobility Training or have previously used a guide dog.
• You must be capable of cane travel. This is important in case the dog is ever incapacitated and you need to travel independently.

Contact the Fidelco Guide Dogs admissions department at (860) 243-4044 (option 2) or via email to [email protected] to start your application.

Guide Dog Foundation

The Guide Dog Foundation provides free guide dogs for people who are legally blind. They train Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles and Labrador/Golden crosses.

You must meet the following requirements to get a free service dog from The Guide Dog Foundation:

• You must be legally blind.
• You must live in the United States or Canada.
• You must have a stable living arrangement.
• You must need a guide dog to help you remain safe.

If you qualify, you can begin your application online. Just click the Apply Now button on The Guide Dog Foundation website.

Guide Dogs of America

Guide Dogs of America provides free service dogs to people who are visually impaired, people with autism and veterans. This organization provides personalized training to ensure that your dog can help you.

Each of their programs have different requirements.

• For a Guide Dog, you must be at least 18 years old and legally blind. You must be able to walk 1-2 miles per day and have at least three routes you walk on a regular basis.
• For an Autism Service Dog, you must be a child between the age of 4 and 12 who has been diagnosed with autism. You must be participating in therapy and have an adult who can help take care of the animal.
• For a Veteran Service Dog, you must have an honorable discharge and a diagnoses of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma or a mobility-limiting disability.

If you qualify for any of these programs, you can apply on the Guide Dogs of America website.

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind is another organization that provides a free service dog to people who are visually impaired. They provide all of their services at no cost, so you do not have to pay for travel to their campus or anything!

You may be eligible to get a service dog for free if you meet these guidelines:

• You must be visually impaired.
• There are no age limits but you must have the maturity, discipline and ability to work with a guide dog.

If you would like to apply, you can call the admissions department at (800) 295-4050 or fill out the application online.

Guide Dogs of the Desert

Guide Dogs of the Desert provides free service dogs to visually impaired adults in the United States.

You may be eligible for this program if:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You are legally blind.
• You live in the United States.
• You must walk at least one mile regularly.

Apply online using the Guide Dogs of the Desert website.

International Hearing Dog Inc.

International Hearing Dog, Inc. is an organization dedicated to training and providing service dogs specifically for individuals who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. These specially trained dogs assist their handlers by alerting them to important sounds in their environment, such as doorbells, smoke alarms, phones, or even a baby crying.

You may be eligible for a free service dog from International Hearing Dog Inc if you meet these requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be d/Deaf OR profoundly and bilaterally hard of hearing without aids
• You must live alone, with dependents, or with others who are also d/Deaf.
• You must not have other dogs in the home, unless those dogs are retired hearing dogs.
• You must be willing to participate in online training and quizzes prior to being matched with a dog.
• You must be able to attend 10 days of training in Denver at your own expense.
• You must be financially, physically and mentally able to provide for your hearing dog’s care and daily training for many years.

If you’re eligible, you will need to contact International Hearing Dog Inc in order to apply.

K9s for Warriors

Veterans from all eras are eligible to get a service dog for free from K9s for Warriors. This program provides specially-trained dogs to help veterans with their specific recovery needs.

In order to be eligible for a free service dog from K9s for Warriors, you must meet this criteria:

• You must be a veteran who has suffered from PTSD, TBI or military sexual trauma.
• You must reside in the United States.

If you would like to request assistance from K9s for Warriors, you can apply on their website.

Patriot Paws Service Dogs

If you’re a disabled veteran, you may be able to get a service dog for free from Patriot Paws! This organization provides service dogs and in-home working dogs to eligible vets.

In order to be eligible for a free service dog from this organization, you must meet these requirements:

• You must live in the United States.
• You must be an honorably discharged veteran.
• You must have a VA disability rating. The disability does not have to be combat-related.

If you are eligible, you can fill out the application on the Patriot Paws website.

Paws with a Cause

PAWS can provide a service dog for free to eligible people with a variety of disabilities. Their organization is one of the most versatile ones on this list!

In order to be eligible for an assistance dog from PAWS, you must meet these requirements:

• You must have a physical disability, hearing impairment, seizure disorder or be a child with autism.
• You must demonstrate that a free service dog would enhance your independence or quality of life.
• You must meet age limits, depending on what type of service dog you need:
  • You must be at least 14 years old for most service animals.
  • You must be at least 18 for a hearing dog.
  • Children must be between 4-12 years old for an autism assistance dog.

Because they can only provide so many dogs each year, PAWS only accepts applications between January and March each year. During that period, you can complete the client application on the PAWS website.

Retrieving Freedom inc.

Retrieving Freedom Inc. provides service dogs for free to veterans and children with autism. However, you will have to pay for a $30 background check when you submit your application.

In order to be eligible for assistance from this organization, you need to meet this criteria:

• You must be a veteran OR you must be a child with autism.
• You must be able to provide food, supplies, and veterinary care for your service dog.
• You must be able to travel to the training site in Waverly IA or Sedalia MO.

To start your application, you will need to select either the veteran application or the child with autism application on the Retrieving Freedom website.

Service Dog Project

You may be able to get a service dog for free from the Service Dog Project. This organization provides Great Danes who are trained to help with mobility and balance.

In order to receive help from this organization, you must meet these criteria:

• You must live close enough that you can travel to SPD in Massachusetts for ongoing training and assessments.
• You must be between 12 and 70 years old.
• You must have no more than one dog in the household at the time of application.
• You must have a fenced yard.
• you must spend at least three hours a day in public.

If you are interested in obtaining a free service dog from this organization, you need to start by completing their online inquiry form.

Service Dogs Inc.

Although Service Dogs Inc provides the service dog for free, they do charge a nonrefundable $50 application fee to do the paperwork. You will also be responsible to pay for your travel expenses to get to the training campus near Austin, Texas.

In order to receive an animal from this organization, you must meet these requirements:

• You must be a Texas resident.
• You must have hearing loss or a mobility-related disability.
• You must not have any other dogs at home.

You can apply on the Service Dogs Inc. website.

The Seeing Eye

The Seeing Eye Foundation does not turn people away for an inability to pay. However, they ask that you contribute $150 for your first visit to The Seeing Eye and $50 for each subsequent visit. Veterans pay just $1. These fees have not changed since 1934!

These fees help cover a small portion of the cost of the dog, training, equipment, round-trip transportation and lifetime follow-up services that are provided by this organization. You are required to attend a monthlong training at their campus in order to receive your service dog.

In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must provide personal references.
• You must be capable of walking 1-2 miles per day.
• You must have a clean living and working environment.
• You must have a realistic plan for using the dog for daily travel routines.
• You must have the emotional, mental and physical capability of training with the dog.

You can apply for a free service dog from The Seeing Eye online. If you prefer, you can also call them at (800) 539-4425 or contact them via email.

How to Get a Service Dog for Reduced Cost

While this article primarily focuses on organizations offering free service dogs, it’s important to recognize that there are also providers who offer service dogs at a reduced cost. These options, while not free, present a more affordable alternative compared to standard prices.

We’ve included these organizations to broaden your choices, understanding that even discounted services can significantly help those in need of a service dog but facing budget constraints.

NEADS World Class Service Dogs

NEADS provides low cost service dogs for adults and children with physical disabilities. They also provide dogs for veterans, people with hearing loss, children with autism and more.

Every client must raise at least $8,000 for the organization in order to receive a service dog. A minimum of $1,000 must be raised every quarter, with the goal of completing the fundraising within a two-year period. This is far less than the actual cost required to train and prepare a service animal, so it’s still a good deal for those who qualify.

If you would like to apply for a service dog from NEADS, you will need to fill out the application on their website.

Brigadoon Dogs

Brigadoon Dogs provides service dogs to disabled people in the Pacific Northwest. The dogs are not free. You have to raise $10,000 toward the cost of your dog, and you usually have between 2-5 years to raise those funds.

You can learn more about this program on the Brigadoon Dogs website.

4Paws for Ability

4 Paws for Ability serves children and veterans. They focus on helping those who are turned down by other organizations because they are too young, too disabled or not disabled enough to qualify.

Their service animals are discounted but not free. This organization requires you to raise $20,000 toward the cost of your service animal. This is less than half the estimated cost to train the service animal. If you choose a doodle, poodle or papillon, you have to raise an extra $3,000 to cover the extra breeder costs.

According to this organization, most families pay for their service dog through community fundraising initiatives. They may be able to assist with fundraising tips, as well.

If you’re interested, you can complete an application on the 4Paws for Ability website.

Service Dogs for America

It costs $25,000 to obtain a service dog from Service Dogs of America. Fortunately, the SDA also has a dedicated staff member that helps with fundraising, grant applications, payment plans and scholarships to help approved clients find the money to pay for their service dog.

If you’d like to try to get a service dog from them, you can complete the application on their website. Please note that there is a $50 nonrefundable fee to apply.

Other Service Dog Assistance Programs

There are other programs that may be able to help you get your service dog for free as well. Here are some additional supports you should know about.

Miracle Flights

If you need help covering the cost of travel to pick up your service animal or attend required training sessions, Miracle Flights may be able to help. This organization coordinates free flights for people with medical needs.

This organization can only cover the cost of transportation for one disabled person and a caregiver. If the patient is a child, they can sometimes pay fare for two parents if needed.

Complete the Service Dog Flight Request Application on the Miracle Flights website for help.

Free Pet Food & Vet Care Grants

If you’re struggling with the costs associated with your service animal, such as pet food or emergency veterinary care, additional assistance may be available.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of pet care assistance programs. These programs are designed to help alleviate the financial burden, ensuring that your animals remain healthy and well-cared for. We encourage you to explore these options, which can provide much-needed support in managing the costs of your service animal’s care. For more detailed information and to access the list, please visit our website.

Important Warning about Service Dog Scams

As always, there are people looking to make quick money by deceiving people who need help getting a service dog for free. If you’re looking for a service animal, be sure to watch out for these common scams!

Be skeptical if the organization offers to deliver the animal.

When you’re looking to get a service dog, be cautious if an organization promises to send a trained dog directly to you without requiring your involvement in the training process. Most reputable service dog organizations expect you to participate in training sessions. This participation is crucial because it helps you and your service dog learn to work together effectively, ensuring the dog can assist with your specific needs.

If an agency demands a large sum of money and offers to deliver a trained service dog without any input or effort from your side, it’s a red flag. This lack of involvement in the training process can be a sign of a scam or a less reputable provider.

Always look for organizations that prioritize a hands-on approach to training and bonding between you and your service dog.

Know the difference between a companion pet, emotional support animal and service animal.

It’s important to understand that a companion pet, an emotional support animal, and a service dog are not the same.

• A companion pet is just a regular pet with no special training or legal designation.
• An emotional support animal provides comfort and support through companionship, but isn’t trained for specific tasks to assist with a disability.
• A service animal is specially trained to perform specific tasks to help an individual with a disability.

Service dogs have legal privileges to go places where pets typically can’t, like in airplanes or certain public areas. So, when looking for an animal to assist with a disability, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting a trained service dog, not just a companion pet or emotional support animal.

Don’t pay an online service for an animal service letter.

Numerous websites claim to offer quick and easy service animal recommendation letters, often promising delivery within minutes. Don’t trust these online providers! In many instances, these instant online services are not recognized by legitimate service animal organizations.

Reputable service dog providers usually require a more thorough and personalized assessment of your needs. They often prefer documentation from your own local physician or a healthcare professional who is directly involved in your care. This is because a letter from your physician reflects a more accurate and legitimate evaluation of your need for a service animal.

If you pay for an online service like this, you could later find out it was a waste of money because credible service dog organizations may not accept it. Always prioritize obtaining documentation from your own healthcare provider to make sure you aren’t wasting your time or money.

Don’t pay to certify or register your service animal.

It’s crucial to understand that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are not required to be certified or registered. This means there is no official government database or certification process for service dogs.

Be cautious of online offers or websites claiming to provide legitimate certification or registration for service dogs, as these are often scams. They charge people money for certificates or registrations that are completely useless and unnecessary under the law. Don’t fall for their tricks!

The official ADA website clearly states that organizations and websites that sell animal certifications or registrations online do not convey any rights under the ADA and that the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that your dog is a service animal.

The ADA only requires that the service dog is trained to perform specific tasks directly related to the person’s disability. Always research thoroughly and consult with reputable service dog organizations to avoid falling prey to these fraudulent schemes. Remember, if you get a service dog for free, you do not need to pay to certify or register it online.

FAQs about How to Get a Free Service Dog

We get a lot of questions from people who need to know how to get a service dog for free. Fortunately, we have a lot of answers!

Can any dog be a service dog?

Yes. The ADA law does not specify any specific breeds that can or cannot be service animals, so any dog breed can become a service animal, including a pitbull or even a chihuahua. As long as the dog can be trained to provide a service, it can be a service dog.

What disabilities qualify for a service dog?

Individuals with a wide range of disabilities may qualify for a service dog. This includes those with physical disabilities such as visual or hearing impairments, mobility issues, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or epilepsy. Service dogs can also assist individuals with mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, and major depression.

Can I train my own free service dog?

Yes, you can train your own service dog. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require service dogs to be professionally trained. Individuals with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves and are not required to use a professional service dog training program.

However, the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability and must meet behavior standards for public settings. Training a service dog requires a significant time commitment and a thorough understanding of how to train the dog to meet your specific needs.

Can I get a free service dog for anxiety?

Many people with anxiety choose to get an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) instead of a service dog. ESAs provide general comfort, whereas a psychiatric service dog is trained to perform specific quantifiable tasks.

If your healthcare professional determines that you could benefit from a service dog, they may be able to refer you to reputable organizations that specialize in training dogs for mental health conditions, including anxiety. These organizations typically have an application process which may include providing medical documentation of your anxiety diagnosis and meeting specific criteria set by the organization.

What are the benefits of getting a service dog for free?

Studies have shown that service dogs can help their owners experience lower rates of stress, improved happiness, increased fitness and greater independence in their daily lives.

Getting a service dog for free significantly reduces financial burden, especially considering the high training and acquisition costs of service dogs. It allows individuals with disabilities to access vital support and assistance without the stress of fundraising or financial strain. Free service dogs can enhance independence, provide specialized assistance for specific disabilities, and improve overall quality of life. Additionally, this option often includes ongoing support and training from the providing organization.

Does insurance cover service dogs?

In most cases, the answer is no. Insurance usually will not cover the cost of a service dog. However, you may be able to use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan or other supplemental benefit to pay for your service dog.

How long does it take to train a service dog?

The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) guidelines state that a service dog must be trained for at least 120 hours over at least six months. The length of training depends on the skills required.

Relief Recap

There are many organizations that can help you figure out how to get a service dog for free! We have included a comprehensive list of free service animal providers in this list. We’ve also included other resources that can help you with the cost of travel, pet food, veterinary care and more to make it even easier for you to get the assistance that you need.

Nicole Thelin

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.