How much does a service animal cost?

Answer 1

For insurance purposes they cost $5,000 - $25,000

This is their value for training a new pup to full service dog.

Most schools and organizations charge very little to the disabled recipient, $1 - $500.

They make up the difference through grants, donations and public assistance programs.

This is why service dogs are so well protected. They cost a bit, are very well trained, and it's a felony in most states to harm or kill one. The fine is a minimum of the replacement cost.

(*EDIT - you can also train your own service dog if you are qualified to have one and are up to the task of doing so. Owner trained service dogs must still be trained as well as a professionally trained service dog and met the same high standards. They must be strictly obedience trained, socialized, non-aggressive, potty trained, calm in crowds, able to tuck under chairs and tables, able to lie down quietly for long periods of time and task trained to your specific needs. It generally takes about 2 years to owner train a service dog. They're are no short cuts. Rushing training will only ruin the dog and it'll have to be washed out.)