With a decade of service dog-specific training experience, Sarah Bond can help you find and train the right canine partner.
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Where to Start:
If you don't have a dog yet:
Initial Virtual Consultation, $190, 60-90 minutes
If you already have a dog:
Initial Virtual Consultation (60-90 minutes)
plus In Person (or Virtual) Dog Evaluation (up to 1 hour), $325
Session Packages per Meeting Coaching sessions involve working with the trainer one-on-one in private sessions (Virtually or In-Person) with homework to work on between sessions. Service dog training is a big commitment and in most cases takes a minimum of several months and often 1-2 years (or longer). Depending on your budget, you can buy a large package up front or pay as you go with smaller packages. Note: Package prices are based on the number of sessions purchased at one time, not the total number of sessions purchased. The price cannot be split into multiple payments, but smaller packages can be purchased as many times as needed. Package Options: One Session $165 Multiple Session Packages (Discounted per session from the single session price) Three Sessions - $420 Five Sessions - $700 Seven Sessions - $980 Nine Sessions - $1260 Eleven Sessions - $1540 Thirteen Sessions - $1690 Twenty Sessions - $2600 Larger packages are available upon request. |
Day Training Packages The trainer works with your dog one-on-one without you present, with monthly check-in sessions in person to transfer skills. I strongly recommend the the first few months involve at least some day training sessions, since in most cases I will be able to get tasks and foundation public access behaviors trained more quickly and effectively one-on-one to then transfer to you as the dog's partner and handler. Package Options: Once a Week One Month - Four Day Training sessions with the trainer and One Transfer session with you present $700 Two Months - Eight Day Training sessions with the trainer and Two Transfer sessions with you present $1400 Twice a Week One Month - Eight Day Training sessions with the trainer and One Transfer session with you present $1260 Two Months - Sixteen Day Training sessions with the trainer and Two Transfer sessions with you present $2320 Three Times a Week One Month - Twelve Day Training sessions with the trainer and One Transfer session with you present $1690 Two Months - Twenty-Four Day Training sessions with the trainer and Two Transfer sessions with you present $3440 All Day Training clients receive communication about their dog's progress, including videos, throughout the sessions. |
Matchmaking
If you need help finding your service dog, I do offer a “matchmaking” program. This package includes an unlimited number of internet searches for rescues, shelters and breeders that fit your needs. It also includes up to 4 hours of communication with breeders, shelters, etc. and evaluations of the dogs we are looking at. Additional hours can be added as needed if we do not find the right dog in those first 4-5 hours. Being a service dog is not for every dog, and I want to make sure that you and the dog are right for each other as well as the job!
Matchmaking Package
Up to Four Hours of Service Dog Searches and Evaluations
$500
FAQs:
Can I use my own dog to be my service dog?
It depends - if you want to use your own dog, I will evaluate your dog to see if they have the temperament needed to become a service dog and will be a good match for your needs. Keep in mind that not every dog wants to be a service dog - it’s sort of like getting into an Ivy League college or becoming a Navy SEAL. For some dogs, it can be way too stressful, and we definitely don't want to force those dogs into the wrong job.
What are the requirements for getting a service dog?
You need to have a disability that the dog can help mitigate with trained tasks. Emotional Support animals can be a wonderful help but are not considered service dogs under federal law so do not get access in public places like service dogs do; your dog must do a trained task beyond helping you by just being present to qualify under the law as a service dog.
What certifications are required before my dog is a service dog?
There is no legal certification or registration required to make your dog a service dog; only a standard of behavior they have to meet. If any website or organization asks you to pay them to “certify” or “register” your dog as a service dog in the United States, it is a scam! The only legitimate way to turn your dog into a service dog is through training. (Note: International requirements vary, so if you are traveling with your dog there may be additional testing or paperwork needed.)
What is the total cost of service dog training and how long does it take for my dog to become a service dog?
It’s impossible to put an exact time frame or total cost on training a service dog; the time frame can be influenced by your dog’s motivation to train, how much and how well you are practicing with your dog, and many other factors. I have had more mature dogs with a good foundation of training get through the bulk of their training in about six months, and I have dogs I've worked with for a few years starting in puppyhood. But on average, 1-2 years of training with weekly or biweekly sessions is typical. I know this is a lot of money for most people, which is why I allow my students to “pay as they go” with smaller packages of lessons. If you prefer to buy several lessons at a time for more of a discount, I am also happy to do that.)
Can I use my own dog to be my service dog?
It depends - if you want to use your own dog, I will evaluate your dog to see if they have the temperament needed to become a service dog and will be a good match for your needs. Keep in mind that not every dog wants to be a service dog - it’s sort of like getting into an Ivy League college or becoming a Navy SEAL. For some dogs, it can be way too stressful, and we definitely don't want to force those dogs into the wrong job.
What are the requirements for getting a service dog?
You need to have a disability that the dog can help mitigate with trained tasks. Emotional Support animals can be a wonderful help but are not considered service dogs under federal law so do not get access in public places like service dogs do; your dog must do a trained task beyond helping you by just being present to qualify under the law as a service dog.
What certifications are required before my dog is a service dog?
There is no legal certification or registration required to make your dog a service dog; only a standard of behavior they have to meet. If any website or organization asks you to pay them to “certify” or “register” your dog as a service dog in the United States, it is a scam! The only legitimate way to turn your dog into a service dog is through training. (Note: International requirements vary, so if you are traveling with your dog there may be additional testing or paperwork needed.)
What is the total cost of service dog training and how long does it take for my dog to become a service dog?
It’s impossible to put an exact time frame or total cost on training a service dog; the time frame can be influenced by your dog’s motivation to train, how much and how well you are practicing with your dog, and many other factors. I have had more mature dogs with a good foundation of training get through the bulk of their training in about six months, and I have dogs I've worked with for a few years starting in puppyhood. But on average, 1-2 years of training with weekly or biweekly sessions is typical. I know this is a lot of money for most people, which is why I allow my students to “pay as they go” with smaller packages of lessons. If you prefer to buy several lessons at a time for more of a discount, I am also happy to do that.)