We provide Autism Assistance Dogs and Disability Assistance Dogs FREE to individuals. However once a dog has passed their Public Access Certification Test the recipients are responsible for the up-keep of the dog. However Assistance Dogs NI will continue to own the dog.
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Am I financially able to take on the cost of caring for an Assistance Dog for 10 - 15 years?
Whilst the Charity provide our Assistance Dogs free of charge, the Charity still own the Assistance Dog. However we are not in a position to cover the costs during the Assistance Dogs life. Once an Assistance Dog has qualified the recipient of the Assistance Dog will be responsible for the purchase of a number of items that the dog will need and the costs associated with having a dog. The approximate cost per year is £1,986.64.
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Are you prepared to care for a dog every single day?
Having an Assistance Dog is akin to having a toddler. Every day, without fail, your dog must be cared for. They will need to be exercised, attend to their toileting, on-going training maintained, groomed and mental & physical exercise/stimulation.
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Are you prepared to always be the centre of attention?
Working with an Assistance Dog places you in the centre of the public eye. Everywhere you go, people will stare, point and gawk at you. When you have an Assistance Dog you will never be invisible. People will stop and engage in conversation, ask lots of questions. Going places may take longer and you will be an ambassador for ADNI.
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Are you willing and able to accept training and socialisation obligations accompanying an assistance Dog?
You are going to have to work hard learning how to handle your Assistance Dog and you are required to maintain their training
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Assistance Dogs are not robots, sometimes they have bad days too. You have to provide the structure, guidelines and boundaries necessary for your Assistance Dog to thrive and to be able to serve your child to the best of your ability.
Costings
Financial Considerations
When receiving an Assistance Dog, you will need to purchase the following items:
| Items | Costs |
|---|---|
| Giant Crate (Available to buy from ADNI at cost price) | £67.77 |
| Crate liner for Giant Crate, which can sourced via ADNI at cost price. | £26.75 |
| Dog bed. Available on Amazon, eBay and Pet Stores. Prices vary. | £25.00 |
| Dog Food. Normally Clinivet Junior Adult which is approximately £55.00 per 12 kg bag. Should the dog require Clinivet Grain Free which is approximately £60.00 per 12 kg bag. | £55.00/£60.00 |
| Kong Senior Toy. Available on Amazon and eBay. | £24.00 |
| 1 Water Non-slip Bowl | £7.00 |
| 1 Food Non-slip Bowl | £7.00 |
| 1 Collapsible Bowl | £3.00 |
| Dog Cooling Bowl. Available on Amazon, eBay and Home Bargains. | £3.00 |
| Pet Cooling Mat Non Toxic. Available on Amazon and eBay . Prices range from £16.99 to £39.99. | £29.00 |
| Soft Collar. All assistance dogs have to be neutered , ADNI prefer the soft collar rather than the large lampshades vet often use. With the soft collar the dog can see and can eat and drink. Available on Amazon and eBay. | £11.00 |
| Dog Surgery Recovery Suit Post Operation. Usually required for our female dogs. Available on Amazon and eBay. | £20.00 |
| Grooming Equipment Brush £4.00 & Furminator £25.00 | £29.00 |
| Professional Grooming. Labradoodles generally do not cast their hair, therefore they will require regular grooming from a professional. Usually, every 6 to 8 weeks. Grooming prices vary depending on your location. | £60.00 |
| Backpack for Child | £20.00 |
| Treat Bag | £9.00 |
| Poop Bags. Biodegradable, approximately 3 bags per day which is 1,095 per year. | £38.36 |
| Car Safe Dog Harness. Available on Amazon and eBay. | £29.99 |
| Pet First Aid Kit. Available on Amazon and eBay. | £27.54. |
| Working Dog Insurance which includes Public Liability Insurance which is more expensive. Renewal premiums generally increase on a yearly basis. Due to the number of Assistance Dogs we insure we obtain multi dog discount. | £380 approximately from year 2 |
| Approximate Initial Outlay | £872.43 |
However the above costings are approximate costs and should only be used as a guide.
| Additional Costs | Approximately Yearly Costs |
|---|---|
| Feeding This will cost approximately £15-£20 per month. | £660.00 |
| Worming (The Assistance Dog will require worming every 3 months. £8.00 (approximately) x 4. | £32.00 |
| Flea Treatment (The Assistance Dog will require flea treatment every 3 months. £8.00 (approximately) x 4. | £32.00 |
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Veterinary Fees Annual Vaccination plus Kennel Cough approximately. 6 month health check-up- consultation fees approximately £40.00 plus VAT. | £80.00 |
| Veterinary Fees Consultations including VAT | £40.00 + |
| Professional Grooming. Approximately every 8 weeks. | £480.00 |
| Working Dog Insurance The working insurance for the dog is approximately £360 for year one. Renewal premiums generally increasing on a yearly basis. Should a claim be made on the insurance policy excess starts off at £170.00 per year . | £380.00 |
| Poop Bags Biodegradable 1,095 approx 3 bags per day. | £32.74 |
| Kennelling If you are unable to take your Assistance Dog with you. Approximately £100 – 150 for one week. | £125.00 |
| Pet Passport approximate cost | £60.00 |
| Rabies Vaccination | £32.60 |
| Rabies Booster | £32.60 |
| Approximate Total Cost | £1,986.94 |
Most veterinary practices offer clients the opportunity to sign up to a monthly Pet Health Plan which varies in price.
For example:
Essential cover plan may cost £22.99 per month which covers the annual vaccinations including kennel cough, flea and worm treatments and a healthy pet check and more benefits. Approximate yearly cost £275.88.
Plus cover plan may cost £31.99 per month which covers the annual vaccinations including kennel cough, flea and worm treatments, 24/7 access to online vet, no consultation fees and more benefits. Approximate yearly cost £383.88.
YEARLY COST Approximately
£ 1,986.64 per year increasing yearly due to rising costs such as the working dog insurance.
Responsibility of Caring for the Assistance Dog
Having an Assistance Dog will add additional work to your family life, the dog will require daily exercise up to two hours per day. He/she will require grooming daily.
The cost of replacement equipment will be your responsibility too.
If you have other pets you need to consider that another dog will bring extra work and additional financial costs.
