How to Get a Free Service Dog for Autism

Life is different for those individuals living with autism. Families supporting children diagnosed to be on the spectrum could sometimes be challenging. Every ounce of support provided is already a huge help. Getting a free service dog for autism could be life-changing, especially for financially-challenged families. A service dog could cost around $12,000 -$30,000 according to US Service Animal’s website. This doesn’t include their daily living costs such as food, vitamins, and other expenses. We have provided you with some of the possible options you can explore to help individuals and families get a service dog for autism, free of charge or at least at a low cost. 

Understanding the Role of Service Dogs for Autism

If you are planning to get a service dog, it is important to understand first their role and the benefits they can provide you. Emotional Support Dogs (ESA) and service dogs are two different things that are often interchanged. For emotional support dogs (ESA), their presence is enough to provide support for individuals with autism. Service dogs require particular training depending on the specific needs of their owner. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) varies from one person to another. Some individuals could have difficulty in social communication, others find it stressful when introduced to a new environment. Some are emotionally unstable and find it challenging to express themselves. Since every individual with ASD is unique, their service dog can be trained to cater to areas where they need the most assistance.  

 

Some of the tasks that Autism Assistance Dogs can help includes: 

Sensory Support

Dogs are great at sensing if you are emotionally stressed, happy, or anxious. With their ability to sense how you are feeling, they can provide sensory support. During the times when people with autism are about to have a panic attack, they can provide comfort through pressure therapy or pressure stimulation. 

Tracking 

Some individuals would just wander off and would find difficulty coming home. Trained service dogs can be excellent in tracking down their owners. They could easily identify their scent and provide a huge help in finding people.  

Social Interaction

One of the main difficulties of people with autism is that they don’t easily mingle with other people, especially new faces. Having the service dog around helps them bridge this gap. They tend to become more open and are encouraged to socialize with others without being stressed out. In addition, they also provide great companionship. Children with autism can play around with them. 

Safety and Assistance

One of the main responsibilities of a service dog is to make sure that its owners/handlers are kept safe all the time. They are trained to alert individuals if they are in danger. In addition, service dogs can assist individuals with tasks such as fetching things, getting their medicines, or closing/opening the door.  

service dog for autism

Organizations Providing Free Service Dogs for Autism

Getting service requires time and monetary resources. That’s why it is important to know the ways how to get a free service dog for autism. There are agencies and organizations out there willing to lend a helping hand to people who are having difficulty paying for one. Check out the list below for organizations offering free, if not, low-cost service dogs. 

Assistance Dogs United Campaign (ADUC)

Assistance Dogs United Campaign is an organization that directly provides contributions to individuals in need of assistance dogs. Individuals in need have the freedom in choosing the provider of the dog trained for their specific needs. It also provides grants supporting research and development related to the dog field.  

Non-Profit Organizations

Check any non-profit organizations online or near your place which cater specifically to individuals with autism. These non-profit organizations are supported by donations. Some conduct their fundraising programs to support those who are in need. Below are some non-profit organizations you might want to check out for service dogs. 


Local and Regional Programs

Stay alert for any local or regional programs or events near your area aimed to help individuals with autism. They might be kickstarting a program offering free service dogs for those who are in need. 


Fundraising and Grant Opportunities

After looking into possible organizations you can connect with, you can also check for any fundraising or grant opportunities. Set up an alert in your email so you are notified right away of these kinds of opportunities. Below are some options you can check. 

  • Crowdfunding Platforms

There are crowdfunding platforms that help individuals or groups in raising funds for a particular project. You just have to convince possible donors why you or someone you know is worthy of having a service dog. Here are some of the platforms where you can share your story.

  • GoFundMe

  • Kickstarter

  • YouCaring 


Scholarships and Grants

If you are requesting someone you know, you can dive into searching for scholarships and grants. Tap into local academic institutions for people with special needs and ask if they offer any grants or scholarship opportunities.   


Training Your Service Dog

If you have exhausted all your efforts and can’t seem to find any assistance. You can train your dog to be a service dog. For someone without prior experience, this will be challenging. You will have to spend a lot of time on research and actual training. Check out online videos on platforms such as Youtube and learn how to train your dog. 
Getting a service dog for autism is an investment worth taking. With all the advantages of having a dog around, it’s a true value for your money. For those who don’t have funds to spare to get one, do not lose hope. You can try the options above. It won't hurt to ask around and explore all of them if a service dog is needed. 

If you're searching for a dog in the Midwest, specifically in Wisconsin, Chicago, or the Twin Cities, and you're interested in service dogs for individuals with autism, there are several organizations that can assist you. These organizations are dedicated to training and placing service dogs that can provide valuable support and improve the lives of children and adults with autism. Here are some recommended service dog organizations:

1. 4 Paws for Ability: This nonprofit organization aims to enhance the lives of children with disabilities and veterans by training and matching them with task-trained service dogs. Their service dogs offer increased independence for children and assistance for their families. Additionally, they promote awareness of service dogs in public places.

2. Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA): ASDA's mission is to have a positive impact on individuals with autism and their families by providing exceptionally well-trained service dogs. These dogs offer physical safety and emotional support to children with autism, acting as anchors in their lives.

3. Assistance Dogs International (ADI): ADI is a coalition of not-for-profit assistance dog organizations. They focus on improving training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs, as well as educating staff, volunteers, and the public about these dogs. ADI also advocates for the legal rights of individuals with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs.

4. Blessings Unleashed: Blessings Unleashed is a national program that transforms rescue dogs into heroes for children with autism. Their mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with autism by training and placing highly skilled service dogs. They achieve this by appropriately training select rescue dogs for specific tasks and educating recipients on how to utilize and care for their service dogs.

5. Canine Companions for Independence: This nonprofit organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support. Based in Santa Rosa, CA, Canine Companions is the largest provider of assistance dogs worldwide. Their dogs offer increased independence and loving companionship.

6. Custom Canines Service Dog Academy: Custom Canines Service Dog Academy is a nonprofit organization comprising volunteer professionals and individuals who are committed to establishing lasting partnerships between highly skilled service dogs and individuals with diverse impairments and disabilities. Their goal is to significantly enhance the quality of life for these individuals. The dogs provided by Custom Canines are placed with their human partners at no cost.

These organizations are excellent resources for finding a service dog that is suitable for your needs and location. They are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and ensuring quality partnerships between dogs and people.

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we understand the unique needs of children with autism and the benefits that service dogs and therapy dogs can provide. If you're considering getting a dog for a child with autism, it's important to understand the differences between service dogs and therapy dogs and determine which option is best for your child.

Service dogs are highly trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate the challenges and enhance the independence of individuals with disabilities. For children with autism, service dogs can provide various forms of assistance, such as interrupting repetitive behaviors, providing deep pressure therapy during meltdowns, or guiding a child who tends to wander. These dogs undergo rigorous training to meet the specific needs of individuals with autism and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing them access to public places.

Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are trained to provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to individuals in various settings, including hospitals, schools, or therapy sessions. While they can have a positive impact on children with autism, therapy dogs are not specifically trained to perform tasks that mitigate the challenges associated with autism. Their primary role is to offer emotional support and create a calming environment.

Choosing between a service dog and a therapy dog depends on the individual needs and goals of your child. If your child requires assistance with specific tasks or needs a constant companion to address challenges related to autism, a service dog may be the best option. Service dogs can provide tailored support and promote independence in various situations.

On the other hand, if your child would benefit from emotional support, comfort, and a calming presence without the need for specific tasks, a therapy dog could be a suitable choice. Therapy dogs can provide a source of relaxation and companionship, promoting social interaction and reducing anxiety.

It's important to note that obtaining a service dog requires thorough evaluation, professional training, and a significant commitment. Organizations specializing in service dogs for autism, such as the ones mentioned in the previous response, can assist you in finding a properly trained service dog that meets your child's needs.

At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we believe in the power of the human-canine bond and understand the positive impact that dogs can have on individuals with autism. Whether you choose a service dog or a therapy dog, both options can contribute to improving the quality of life for your child. We encourage you to explore the resources available and consult with professionals who can guide you in making the best decision for your family and your child with autism.



HealthJames StokesStokeshire Designer DoodlesASD, Autism