Do breeders donate dogs to people looking for service dogs?

[BriannaLeigh92]

I am looking for a psychiatric service dog, and I am going to be having one of my own dogs evaluated for the position, but if she does not qualify (which wouldn't surprise me if she didn't because she has ADD)...I am wondering if breeders or organizations donate dogs to people that need a service dog, so that they only have to worry about paying the cost of the training?

I have heard a few stories of this happening, so I am just wondering if this actually happens...

[Kilter]

I would have a few concerns. For one, if I donate a dog and it fails, what happens to it? Do I get it back, is it kept as a pet, or?

Who is doing the training and how well of a job can they do, what are the methods and success rates? What is the dog going to be used for and how much work, what type of work....

The cost of a dog is much, much less in general than the training, at least it seems to be here where they estimate a guide dog to be worth tens of thousands by the time it's finished training. Even if a pup is $2,000, that's a huge difference.

It might be more worthwhile to find someone who does the type of training you need and go from there, they may have contacts. And depending on what you need, there may be some great dogs in rescue that would fit the bill. We had a pregnant foster who was lovely as far as temperament and such went, good with everything, calm, sweet, young but not crazy. Ready for more formal training and moved in with a family and slept on the bed from the first night.

[Saeleofu]

Some breeders will, but if they're going to donate it's much more likely they will donate to a program instead of an individual.

I got my service dog from a breeder, and I paid for him. The breeder still had costs associated with producing high-quality dogs, so I wouldn't expect a breeder to give me a dog for nothing. The price of the dog is just a fraction of a cost of the price of training. If you can't afford $800-$1200 for a dog, you probably can't afford $10,000-$20,000+ to train it.

This is another reason why going with a program is a good idea. Most programs charge less than $5,000 for a fully trained service dog. Some are even free.

The problem with rescues is that by the time you factor in not just temperament and behavior but also health, very few dogs in shelters are even good service dog candidates. It's not impossible to find a good candidate in rescue, but you're far more likely to succeed with a dog from a reputable breeder. If you're going to rescue a dog, what happens if it doesn't make it? Do you keep it or does it go right back into rescue? What about the next 17 or 92 dogs you have to try before you find the one that will work out?

[BriannaLeigh92]

That is very understandable, from what I have learned, it is fairly easy, and takes a trainer one or two evaluation visits to tell if a dog will make a good PSD. Psychiatric service dogs are different than other service dogs because they are more used for emotional support. The dog would be trained to refocus me, create a buffer between me and people when I am out in public, it would be trained to guide me to a quiet safe spot if I start having a panic attack in public, it would be trained to lick my hands or face when I am in one of my depressive states, and to push on various pressure points for relaxation. Like I said, not all that physical.

I didn't mean to make it seem like I was asking someone to donate their dog to me, just wondering if anyone ever has, and how it worked out...stuff like that. I am currently looking for a dog, but don't expect anyone to be donating a dog for my cause.

[SpringerLover]

The program my friend works for here in MN takes breeder donation dogs. Their dogs are also free of charge for the people they're matched with.

[frostfell]

as a breeder: I would love to do this, but I havent the foggiest what kind of puppy needs to catch my eye as SD material. So evaluators from a group would have to come and work with me. But I would totally donate a puppy, if I had any suitable. That would be so awesome to help someones life like that

[Red Chrome]

I actually did donate a puppy to someone needing a SD. The contract says I get the dog back should it not work out. In this case it did work out beautifully. I'd do it again for the right person if I had a suitable candidate.

[Saeleofu]

The contract says I get the dog back should it not work out.

This is perfect for many, many people.

That said, I wouldn't want to do it. Logan is my service dog, but he's much more than that, and I'd keep him regardless. But again, I also paid for him.

If I was in a situation where a dog that didn't work out would need to be rehomed, though, I'd jump at an offer like that. That's a very good deal.

[BriannaLeigh92]

@ frostfell and red chrome it is absolutely amazing that you are so willing to donate dogs you bred to people in need of service dogs. I truly respect that. So many people need service dogs and many organizations are so willing to give up dogs for people with PHYSICAL disabilities but not so much people with MENTAL disabilities. I think you are both so amazing! <3 I speak from experience when I say that anxiety is completely and utterly crippling. I am 20 years old...it is nearly impossible for me to drive even just down the road, and I rarely leave my house because of how bad my anxiety is. But because it is something people can't see, they disregard it completely.

[Red Chrome]

Originally Posted by Saeleofu

This is perfect for many, many people.

That said, I wouldn't want to do it. Logan is my service dog, but he's much more than that, and I'd keep him regardless. But again, I also paid for him.

If I was in a situation where a dog that didn't work out would need to be rehomed, though, I'd jump at an offer like that. That's a very good deal.

There is the option that they can keep the dog but they must pay for it then. Of course it is at a reduced rate and terms apply but I am flexible.