You must be able to manage a dog 24/7, including in work and social environments.
Extremely high "washout" rate (about 50-70% of puppies do not make it as service dogs). It requires hundreds of hours of work and professional trainer fees. 3. Financial Commitments
You must be able to name specific tasks (e.g., "alerting to a seizure," "opening doors," "deep pressure therapy") the dog will perform. 5. Avoiding Scams
They are considered "medical equipment," not pets.
Working dogs require optimal health; unexpected injuries or illnesses can be costly and may "retire" the dog early. 4. Critical Questions to Ask Before Starting
The ADA does not require service dogs to be professionally certified, registered, or wear a vest, though many handlers use them for clarity. 2. Choosing Your Path: Program vs. Owner-Trained
Beyond the initial acquisition, you must prepare for the ongoing costs of maintaining a working animal: $0 (rare) to $50,000.
