Table Of Contents
This article discusses different types of service dogs and answers whether pet insurance covers them or not. It also provides answers to any other questions you might have about service dogs’ insurance.
- Service dogs are trained to help people with disabilities, and there are many types.
- There is no special insurance just for service dogs.
- If you are eligible, dog insurance can be tailored to suit your service dog
- Service dog insurances are expensive, especially for high-quality breeds.
- Service dogs are working dogs specially trained to help people with disabilities perform specific tasks to have a more independent life. These disabilities can be physical, psychiatric, sensory, mental, or intellectual, including people with autism, diabetes, epilepsy, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types Of Service Dogs
Autism Support Dogs
They are used for kids with autism to help them navigate social settings. They also comfort autistic children in stressful times and keep them from feeling isolated. Some dogs can help keep children from running off by tracking them.
Allergy Detection Dogs
Allergy detection dogs are often paired with children because they are prone to severe allergies. They are trained to sniff out and raise the alarm to foods containing allergens like eggs, peanuts, or gluten. These dogs give children a greater sense of independence while giving their parents confidence of security.
Psychiatric Service Dogs
Psychiatric service dogs help people experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They serve:
- Military veterans
- Victims of abuse
- Victims of natural disasters
- Victims of terrorism
- Victims of car crashes etc.
They help their human handlers feel safer and less hyper-vigilant by entering their home before them and turning on the light using a foot pedal.
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Seizure Alert Dogs
These dogs can react with a specific behavioral response before their handlers have seizures. These service dogs are a bit controversial because many medical experts claim that there is no evidence in medical literature to prove the ability of dogs to predict seizures accurately. Many patients, trainers, and families insist they’ve experienced it.
Seizure Response Dogs
These should not be mistaken for seizure-alert dogs. Seizure Response dogs are trained to assist someone having an epileptic episode. They help move their human if a seizure happens in an unsafe place. They either bark or press an alarm to seek help. Not only that, but they could also bring medicine or a phone to someone recovering from a seizure.
Diabetic Alert Dogs
They are also known as DADs. They provide security by alerting people to high and low sugar levels before something dangerous happens. Some of these dogs are also trained to alert other household members or set off an alarm if their handler needs medical attention.
Hearing Dogs
They are used for people with hearing impairment. They help their handlers by leading them toward noises like doorbells, alarms, or crying babies
Mobility Assistance Dogs
These dogs perform various services for people with mobility issues to increase their independence and confidence. They can:
- Bring objects to people
- Serve as a brace for people with ambulatory support
- Press buttons on automatic doors
- Help pull a wheelchair up a ramp
- People with arthritis, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries usually use mobility assistance dogs.
Guide Dogs
They help lead blind or visually impaired people around obstacles. Guide dogs usually wear a custom harness with a handle for their humans to grasp.
Other types of working dogs include:
- Emotional support dogs
- Guard dogs
- Search and rescue dogs
- Herding dogs
- Hunting and gun dogs
- Police and military dogs
- Therapy dogs
They are not considered service dogs because they are not trained to perform specific tasks to assist humans with disabilities or needs. For example, police and military dogs perform tasks like herding, detection, rescue, hunting, search, and so on.
Is It A Good Idea To Get Service Dog Insurance?
Yes, it is. Service dogs are a huge financial investment. They cost between $17,000 to $40,000; thus, getting insurance protects their health and helps them save money against unpleasant situations and the event of an injury or illness. Service dog insurance caters to things like:
- Unexpected injuries and accidents
- Laboratory tests and surgery
- Medications
- Illnesses
- Emergency care and exam fees
Can You Get Specific Pet Insurance For Service Dogs?
Generally, there are available pet insurances that cater to your pet’s medical expenses, and they work as an insurance plan you would typically get for yourself. This implies that there are policies, premiums, and insurance covers. However, there are no specific insurance plans just for service dogs. But some pet insurance services can provide flexible plans that extend to them.
Specific Dog Insurance For Service Dogs
They are some types of dog insurance you can get for your service animal. They include:
Service Dog Liability Insurance
With this insurance, your insurance provider will reimburse you if your dog accidentally hurts someone or damages a property
Service Dog Life Insurance
This type of insurance is worthwhile for you if your service dog is an expensive breed. In the event of death, a costly service might be difficult to replace without financial aid.
Service Dog Health Insurance
Service dog health insurance ensures your canine companion is by your side for a long time because it provides coverage for the following:
- Laboratory tests
- Medications
- Illnesses
- Emergency care and much more.
How Much Could A Service Dog Insurance Cost?
Service dog insurance is usually more expensive than regular dogs, but the monthly premium depends on the dog’s breed, age, level of benefit, location, and deductible amount. Generally, the cost could range from $250 to $900 annually.
Is Working Dog Insurance More Expensive?
No, but it can be for specific reasons. Pet insurance costs depend on the breed, species, and expected problems for the breed involved. It is best to check out the sites of pet insurance providers to compare their plans. However, expect a higher price for high-quality breeds.
Does Health Insurance Cover Service Dogs?
No. Training service dogs generally take a lot of time and money. Thus, they’re expensive to purchase. Many people won’t be able to afford the insurance.
However, you can reach a pet insurance provider for possible plans to protect your dog.
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