Service Dog Program

What Are Service Dogs

Service dogs are not pets—they are legally recognized as medical equipment under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), similar to a wheelchair or a cane for a person who is blind. These dogs undergo extensive training to perform tasks that help mitigate their handler’s disability, enabling greater independence and improved quality of life.

The average cost of a fully trained service dog ranges between $20,000–$60,000+, depending on the training program. Waitlists can be 3–5 years long before a dog is matched to a recipient.

How Are Service Dogs Trained?
Training a service dog typically takes up to 2 years, depending on the complexity of tasks required. Not every dog is suitable for service work—certain breeds are better equipped for specific roles, and each candidate must meet strict temperament and health standards.

Service dogs perform a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Retrieving medication or dropped items
  
• Guiding individuals with visual impairments
  
• Providing mobility assistance
  
• Alerting to medical conditions
  

Important Note:
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not considered service dogs and are not allowed in non-pet-friendly public places under the ADA.

• Guide Dogs
• Mobility Dogs
• Psychiatric Dogs (PTSD, Anxiety)
• Autism Dogs
• Medical Alert Dogs (Cardiac Alert, Migraine Alert, Diabetic Alert, and Seizure Alert)
• Hearing Dogs

Owner Training Program
Our Owner Training Program is designed for individuals who want to play an active role in training their own service dog while receiving professional support every step of the way. Whether you’re starting with a puppy or an adult dog, we’ll help you build a solid foundation and progress toward task training and becoming a fully trained service dog team.

Ideal for: 

• Clients who already have a dog or plan to obtain their own puppy.
• Individuals who want hands-on involvement in the training process.
• Those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to a fully trained program dog.
  
  

Program Details:

• Program Length: 12 months (extensions available if needed).
• Sessions: Weekly 1-on-1 training sessions (in-person or virtual).
  

Includes:

• Obedience & public access training.
• Customized task training.
• Homework and structured training plans.
• Public outings and socialization guidance.
• AKC CGC and Public Access test prep.
• Lifetime trainer support after program completion.
• Training Gear Starter Kit (optional add-on).
  

Note: 

All dogs entering the program must pass a temperament and suitability evaluation prior to acceptance.

At The Urban K-9 Academy, we believe that life-changing service dog training should be accessible to everyone. That’s why all of our programs come with flexible, interest-free payment plans designed to fit a variety of budgets—including those on disability or fixed income.

We’ll work with you to create a payment plan that works.

Program Price:
$5,000 (18 -24 months)

Pay in full or through a monthly plan.
Includes all training sessions, evaluations, and lifetime trainer support.

Monthly options start as low as $250/month!

We also offer:

• Extended payment terms (24–48 months)
• Zero interest
• No credit check
• Fundraising support tools and guidance
  
  

Want to apply for our Service Dog program?

Click the link below and start the process today.