Every Hounds for Heroes assistance dog partnership costs approximately £50,000 from puppy selection through to retirement.
This includes every stage of our specialist assistance dog training programme, from puppy development and advanced training through to partnership creation and lifelong aftercare. Our assistance dogs help physically disabled serving and former members of HM Armed Forces and UK Emergency Services live with greater independence, confidence and freedom.
Where Your Donation Goes
Creating a successful assistance dog partnership takes time, expertise and ongoing support. Below is a breakdown of the costs involved in training, placing and supporting a Hounds for Heroes assistance dog throughout its working life.
Puppy selection and training - £9,500:
- Selection and purchase of a puppy.
- Training equipment, toys, vet bills, insurance, food, training treats and transport.
- The first year of training with a volunteer puppy parent under the guidance of one of our puppy trainers.
Advanced dog training - £10,000:
- Training equipment, toys, vet bills, insurance, food, training treats and transport.
- Kennelling.
- Specialist training by one of our advanced trainers.
Partnership creation and training - £6,500:
- Assessment and training of an applicant on our waiting list.
- A two-week pre-placement training course to teach applicants how to manage, care for and continue training their dogs. 24 hour care is provided to the individuals whilst they attend these courses.
Aftercare and support - £24,000:
- Ongoing regular home visits, telephone support and advice from our aftercare team for the working lifetime (c8 years) of the partnership.
- Food.
- Insurance.
- Vet bills.