MD Dogs' mission is to provide transparency in the field of Diabetic Alert Dogs - whether sharing step by step instructions to train your own Diabetic alert Dog, or sharing exactly how much it costs our organization to provide a trained Diabetic Alert Dog. 

For our trained Diabetic Alert Dogs, each family is asked to fundraise according to the level of training their dog is receiving as MD Dogs is a 501(c)(3) and relies on donations to provide these dogs. The value of our trained Diabetic Alert Dogs is significantly more than the Fundraising Fees, however as an organization we are able to bridge the gap by our trainers providing training at a severely reduced rate due to their passion for the MD Dogs mission.

For complete transparency, below are the details of all our expenses based on each level of Diabetic Alert Dog training.

What does it cost MD Dogs to provide a Diabetic Alert Dog?

Our fixed costs are our initial expenses associated with acquiring a dog and ensuring they are capable of becoming a Service Dog.

Occasionally we do use rescue dogs which results in a much lower initial purchase price, but in these scenarios the dogs are rarely able to become fully trained Diabetic Alert Dogs due to failing health testing or failing to have the unflappable temperament needed. Because there are so many variables that can cause a dog to not be suitable as a full DAD, we set ourselves up for success by primarily using well bred puppies from reputable breeders performing health and temperament tests on all parent dogs. Additionally, for every dog we bring into the program there are initial vaccinations and well check, transition training fees, and one time supplies. All these total up to $6,250 to bring a single dog into our program to begin their training. 

We also have monthly costs for raising and training each of our dogs. The basics are food, insurance, and preventatives. There are also miscellaneous expenses such as gathering new scent samples by paying for the materials and shipping fees to enable the dogs to be trained on samples from a variety of people to generalize the odors.

In addition to the material costs each month, there are the training costs. Professional trainers in our location earn an average of $158.25/day for a pet dog in a board and train program, the equivalent to our dogs' training since they are in our trainer's home 24/7. Some trainers do offer discounts for multi-month board and trains, so to take that into consideration, we applied a 50% discount to the value of the dog's training, averaging $79.12/day. 

Based on the above fixed and variable costs, the total value of our Diabetic Alert Dogs ranges from $21,000-$52,000. Yet MD Dogs' Fundraising Fees are $10,000-$22,000.

So why is the Fundraising Fee not more? 
As an organization, we realize raising up to $52,000 for a Diabetic Alert Dog is not feasible. The chart on the right shows the Value of our dogs based on the expenses we incur and market rate for the training, but the Fundraising Fee column shows what we ask the family to fundraise. We are able to have a lower Fundraising Fee only because our Trainers have other full time careers to pay the bills, and they provide a significant training discount (an average of $24/day, 17% what they'd receive training pet dogs for the same length of time with a 50% discount), purely because they are passionate about MD Dogs' mission and the people they can help. 

Total Cost per Diabetic Alert Dog

Level of Training	Months of Training	Value	Fundraising Fee
In-home	6	$21,824.50	$10,000
Limited	8	$27,016	$12,500​
Started	12	$37,399	$15,000
Full	18	$52,973.50	$22,000

How do families fundraise?
Many, if not most, households aren't able to immediately provide the Fundraising Fee themselves and we understand that. Almost all families fundraise within their communities. Fundraising isn't easy. However, 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 a 501(c)(3) so all donations are tax deductible which helps provide incentive for businesses and organizations to donate. And 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, one of our Board members is a superhero of a fundraiser and can help you plan for events such as "Beef and Beers" that tend to bring in $7,000-$10,000. ​

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!