Cost of service dogs too high for many with disabilities

Cost of service dogs too high for many with disabilities


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SALT LAKE CITY — For many people with disabilities, owning a service dog makes a significant difference in daily life. Dogs trained to help with difficult tasks are invaluable to their owners, but come at a large cost. Service dogs are not covered by insurance companies and can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.

Service dogs are being used to aid individuals with a wide array of disabilities. In the past, dogs were trained primarily for people with vision impairment. Now, service dogs are used to aid with autism, diabetes, epilepsy and many other health and psychological problems.

According to an article from The Patriot News, 70 percent of people who could benefit from a service dog can't afford them. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs works with local organizations to fund service dogs for blind veterans, but federal funding for civilians who need service dogs is not available.

Brandon Ouintero, 15, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Brandon is non-verbal and has pica, a disorder that leads him to eat rocks, dirt and other unsafe substances. Brandon's mother, Kellie Helms, said a service dog for Brandon would change his life.

"Brandon is very low functioning as is a baby in his mind," Helms said. "He needs a companion to help guide him through the extremely difficult hurdles he faces on a daily basis. We believe that a service dog can save Brandon's life, by providing him and the family with the necessary tools that he so desperately needs."

Helms said the family is unable to afford a service dog for Brandon. Most dogs who come with specialized training cost about $20,000. The family has been holding events in the Salt Lake Valley to raise the needed funds for Brandon's service dog.

Helms said she hopes a service dog would help alert the family when Brandon is having a seizure or other serious medical issue. A dog, she said, could save her son's life.

If you'd like to donate to help Brandon receive a service dog, visit his donation page*.


*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.</http:></http:>

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UtahLifestyle
Robynn Garfield

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