MD Dogs' mission is to provide transparency in the field of Diabetic Alert Dogs - we do this by sharing all our training methods for free on this website for anyone to use to self-train, but also by being transparent about why our fully trained Diabetic Alert Dogs cost what they do. We don't want it to be a mystery what goes into the dogs, because we want to enable anyone to understand what it means to have a fully trained Diabetic Alert Dog. Whether someone is looking to obtain a DAD from our organization, another organization, wants to self-train, or even is just skeptical about why Service Dogs in general cost so much, we are happy to provide insight into the costs that reputable Service Dog organizations have. Below are MD Dogs Birdi's actual expenses for the past 20 months of training.
So if a DAD requires $20,000, how is a recipient to ever afford it?
Many, if not most, households aren't able to immediately provide that fee and we understand that. Almost all families fundraise to cover the cost. MD Dogs is a 501(c)(3) and is able to take donations. Fundraising isn't easy. However, the benefit is that it provides the financial ability to obtain a fully trained DAD, as well as brings the community together and increases awareness for type 1 diabetes.
MD Dogs is also happy to help in any way we can! We will share your fundraisers, can set up a page for you and your dog for your fundraisers so individuals can donate specifically to you and your dog, and bring the Diabetic Alert Dog to any local events. Additionally, we can set up a payment plan to fundraise over a period of time so that your DAD can begin working and alerting to you while you raise the remainder.
Below are a few suggestions for how to fundraise. '
If you have any questions about this cost or fundraising, please feel free to reach out at any time!
Many, if not most, households aren't able to immediately provide that fee and we understand that. Almost all families fundraise to cover the cost. MD Dogs is a 501(c)(3) and is able to take donations. Fundraising isn't easy. However, the benefit is that it provides the financial ability to obtain a fully trained DAD, as well as brings the community together and increases awareness for type 1 diabetes.
MD Dogs is also happy to help in any way we can! We will share your fundraisers, can set up a page for you and your dog for your fundraisers so individuals can donate specifically to you and your dog, and bring the Diabetic Alert Dog to any local events. Additionally, we can set up a payment plan to fundraise over a period of time so that your DAD can begin working and alerting to you while you raise the remainder.
Below are a few suggestions for how to fundraise. '
- Restaurant profit donations
- Beef and Beer (northeastern terminology, but essentially a casual fundraising dinner with silent auctions, raffles, catered food, etc. These are high effort but tend to be very successful! MD Dogs' last event raised $9,000)
- Car Wash/garage sale/etc.
- Fundraising walk
- Church or charities
- Baking (one t1d recipient baked apple pies to raise funds)
- Tshirt fundraisers (bonfire)
- Use your artistic talents! (one t1d recipient painted canvases)
- Share your story! Get on the local news
If you have any questions about this cost or fundraising, please feel free to reach out at any time!
