Need an assistance dog? How to arrange the costs and funding

Doing your own shopping, getting to work safely, picking up something you dropped or leaving the house with less anxiety. What is second nature to some can be a daily challenge for people with a disability.

A well-trained assistance dog can support certain everyday tasks. Not only by taking on practical jobs, but sometimes also by making more independence and confidence possible.

Yet getting an assistance dog is not as simple as buying a dog. There is an initial consultation, suitable training, guidance for person and dog as a team and, of course, the funding. An assistance dog can cost a lot, but you do not always have to bear those costs alone.

In this article we explain which types of assistance dogs there are, what the training involves, when costs are covered and how you can raise money on your own or with others on Spendenaktion.

What is an assistance dog and what can it do for you?

An assistance dog is specially trained to support a person with a disability with concrete tasks in everyday life.

That can be something practical, such as opening a door, handing over an object or alerting someone to an important sound. A guide dog helps its owner get around safely. Other assistance dogs learn to respond to certain signals and support their person.

The training is tailored to what someone needs and what the dog can actually learn. So an assistance dog is not a general solution for every disability. Nor does it replace medical treatment, aids or professional support.

It also remains a dog that needs rest, exercise, care and regular training. A successful partnership has to be good for both the person and the animal.

What types of assistance dogs are there?

The term assistance dog covers different types of dogs. Their tasks, training and options for cost coverage differ.

How do you get an assistance dog?

The right route does not start with an advert for a dog, but with a conversation about what you need support with.

1. Clarify what you need support with

   Which everyday tasks are difficult for you? Which other aids or support services do you already use? And which concrete tasks could an assistance dog take on? Practitioners, occupational therapists, specialists or other professionals can help describe your needs clearly. In Germany, the Ergänzende unabhängige Teilhabeberatung (EUTB) (in German) also offers free, independent advice.

2. Contact a specialised training centre

   A training centre assesses whether an assistance dog suits your situation. Usually there is an initial consultation, questions about your home and an assessment of the practical possibilities. In Germany you get a guide dog through a certified guide dog school that has a contract with your health insurer; the German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV) (in German) offers information, for example. Assistance dogs for people with a physical disability are trained by organisations such as VITA e.V. Assistenzhunde (in German).

   Always ask how the training is structured, what experience the centre has with your needs and how support after the handover is arranged.

3. Choose between a fully trained dog and training with your own dog

   Some training centres select, raise and train a dog before it moves in with its future person. There is also self-training, in which someone trains a suitable dog of their own under professional guidance. Not every dog is suitable: health, temperament, ability to learn and behaviour in busy surroundings all matter.

   Training an ordinary dog yourself does not automatically make it a recognised assistance dog. Check in advance whether the chosen route meets the requirements that matter for cost coverage, quality and access rights.

4. Clarify costs and funding before you start

   Ask for a written quote and have it explained what is included. Also check whether you have to apply for cost coverage in advance. That way you avoid starting expensive training for which no funding turns up later.

What does an assistance dog cost?

An assistance dog is expensive to train. There are many more costs involved than buying a dog. Think of selection and upbringing, training of special skills, guidance for the future owner, exams, any equipment and aftercare. On top of that, not every dog completes the training.

A fully trained assistance dog therefore quickly costs a five-figure sum. The exact amount depends on the training centre, the type of dog and the guidance needed.

Don't forget the costs after the training

Even once the training has been paid for, ongoing costs remain:

• Food
• Vet
• Insurance
• Care
• Equipment
• Refresher training
• Later a successor dog

So do not only ask what does an assistance dog cost?, but above all: which costs are covered, and which do I pay myself during the partnership?

Does health insurance in Germany cover the costs?

That mainly depends on the type of assistance dog.

Guide dog

In Germany, a guide dog is an aid covered by statutory health insurance (section 33 of Social Code Book V). The requirements are blindness or severe visual impairment, a prescription from an ophthalmologist, completed orientation and mobility training and a passed team test. The health insurer covers the purchase, training, induction and equipment, and also pays a monthly flat rate for upkeep. More information on the German federal administration portal (in German).

Other assistance dogs

For other assistance dogs, health insurers as a rule do not cover the costs. In 2024, for example, the Higher Social Court of Lower Saxony-Bremen ruled that an autism assistance dog is not an aid within the meaning of Social Code Book V. In individual cases, applying to another body, such as integration assistance (Eingliederungshilfe), may be worthwhile. There is no guaranteed entitlement, though. Get advice first and do not count on coverage until you have it in writing.

Regardless of funding, the Disability Equality Act sets out the right of access with an assistance dog, and since March 2023 the Assistance Dog Ordinance (both in German) has described training, testing and identification. The recognition procedure is still being revised. So check the current situation before the training starts.

And how does it work in Austria?

In Austria, guide dogs, service dogs and hearing dogs count as assistance dogs under the Federal Disability Act. The rules differ considerably from Germany.

Assessment and funding through the Sozialministeriumservice

A dog is only recognised as an assistance dog after a positive team assessment. The assessment is carried out by the Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. The dog is then entered in the disability pass (Behindertenpass), which is also a requirement for funding from public sources.

People with a degree of disability of at least 50 percent can receive funding from the Sozialministeriumservice if they need the dog for their work. People who are not in employment can receive up to 6,000 euros from the Support Fund for People with Disabilities (Unterstützungsfonds). There is no legal entitlement to this funding.

Federal states and private bodies

Some federal states offer funding as part of social rehabilitation, and private bodies or charities can also help. You can find all the details on oesterreich.gv.at (in German). Check the requirements before you take on any financial commitments.

What if the costs are not or only partly covered?

Then there are several ways to close the funding gap.

• Ask the training centre about funding and support. Some organisations work with donors, foundations or sponsors. Ask whether they offer their own funding, work with foundations or have tips for funding applications.
• Look into other bodies and advice services. Depending on your situation, integration assistance, social counselling, a foundation or, in Austria, the Sozialministeriumservice can look for solutions with you. Not every body can pay for the training, but sometimes a grant or a pointer to a suitable programme is possible.
• See which part you can cover yourself. Perhaps you can save part of it, receive a contribution from family or have a foundation cover part. First note down what has already been arranged.
• Start a fundraiser for the remaining amount. Is a larger amount still open? Then a fundraiser can be a way to let family, friends, colleagues and other supporters contribute together. It is no guarantee that you will reach the full amount, but you can share your story and ask for help in a targeted way.

When does crowdfunding for an assistance dog make sense?

A fundraiser works best when you know which route you want to take, what it costs and which amount is still missing. For example when:

• health insurance does not cover a psychiatric assistance dog;
• professionally guided training of your own suitable dog has to be paid for;
• a foundation or funding body only covers part of the costs;
• family and friends want to help with a concrete funding gap;
• there are demonstrable additional costs that are not covered.

Ideally, first have a training centre confirm that it considers you, and possibly your dog, suitable. That way donors know the fundraiser is based on a concrete plan.

How to calculate the target amount of your fundraiser

Use the training centre's quote as your basis. The sample calculation below is fictional.

In this example, you want to raise €14,000 net. When setting your target amount, also allow for the platform and transaction fees, so it is clear which amount will eventually be available.

On your fundraiser you can also explain what happens with any surplus, for example agreed refresher sessions or necessary costs during the training. Only promise what you can actually deliver.

Starting a fundraiser for an assistance dog: how to go about it

1. Explain who needs help

   You can start a fundraiser for yourself, your child, your partner or someone else close to you. Explain who is organising the fundraiser and how they are related to the person the money is for.

2. Explain which tasks the dog will take on

   Do not just write that an assistance dog is important. Describe clearly what the dog can help with in everyday life, for example getting around more independently, taking on practical tasks or responding to certain signals. You do not have to share your whole medical history. Respect your own privacy or that of the person you are organising the fundraiser for.

3. Show that there is a concrete training plan

   Say which training centre you are in touch with, whether an initial consultation has taken place and what the planned training involves. Share a rough budget if you like, without publishing private details or medical documents.

4. Set a clear target amount

   Explain which costs are already covered and what you need the donations for. Also say what happens if the full amount is not raised or the training unexpectedly does not go ahead.

5. Share the fundraiser with the people around you

   Start with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and people who know your situation. Ask them not only to donate, but also to share. A personal message via WhatsApp, email or social media often works better than a general appeal.

6. Keep your donors updated

   Post updates when something happens: a successful initial consultation, a new grant, the start of the training or an important milestone. That way donors see what their support makes possible.

Sample texts for your fundraiser

Only use these sample texts if the initial consultation, quote and other details are actually true in your situation.

Practical tips to involve more people

• Show what the target amount means. A concrete funding gap is easier to understand than a general request for money.
• Tell a personal but careful story. You do not have to reveal every medical detail to make clear why support matters.
• Use tangible milestones. For example, let people know when the first phase of the training has been funded.
• Ask the people around you to help. Someone can donate, share the fundraiser, approach a local sponsor or organise a small benefit event.
• Make agreements with the training centre. Clarify when payments are due and what happens if the dog or the training turns out not to be suitable after all.
• Stay honest about uncertainties. Waiting lists, training and results are not fully predictable. A trustworthy fundraiser sets realistic expectations.

What does a fundraiser on Spendenaktion cost?

Creating and starting a fundraiser on Spendenaktion is free. Fees only apply when donations come in. Spendenaktion charges a 5% platform fee and €0.50 per donation, VAT included. Transaction costs are added for some payment methods. Your donors are not asked for a tip for the platform.

Once your bank account has been verified, donations are paid out every Wednesday as standard, even if you do not reach your target amount. See the current conditions on the rates page and in the frequently asked questions about payouts.

Frequently asked questions about assistance dogs and crowdfunding

Making an assistance dog possible together

An assistance dog can mean a great deal to a person with a disability. But the road there requires careful decisions, time and sometimes a lot of money.

So first find out which assistance dog suits the need, choose a professional training centre and check which cost coverage or funding is possible.

Is there still a financial gap after that? Then you can raise money on Spendenaktion together with family, friends, colleagues and other supporters for a concrete, well-founded training plan. Read more on crowdfunding for an assistance dog.

Current fundraisers for an assistance dog

55 donations

8%

€1,645 of €20,000 raised

Merle für Mila – ein Weg zurück ins Leben

Assistenzhündin Merle soll Mila (7) helfen, Ängste zu bewältigen und wieder am Leben teilzunehmen.

18 donations

31%

€775 of €2,500 raised

Therapiehündin Mexxi braucht Hilfe

Mexxi hat in ihrem Hundeleben als Therapiehund unzähligen Menschen geholfen. Jetzt braucht sie Hilfe.

15 donations

€320 raised

🍀🍀🍀große Bitte bei HILFE für Heilung: gemeinsam die Genesung sichern

Drei Hunde kämpfen nach Vergiftung um Versorgung/Behandlung.Versicherung zahlt nicht,es hilft jede Spende bei ihrer Heilung