GOT YOUR SIX SERVICE DOGS
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to raise and fully train a Got Your Six service dog?
Providing a highly trained service dog typically costs $45,000–$60,000 from puppyhood through placement with a veteran. This includes responsible breeding, healthcare, nutrition, equipment, and more. Got Your Six Service Dogs covers these costs, so veterans never pay out-of-pocket.
What expenses are involved before a puppy even begins formal training?
Early-stage costs include:
• Responsible breeder selection: temperament-tested, health-certified lines
• OFA-certified health testing (hips, elbows, heart, thyroid)
• Initial veterinary care: vaccines, deworming, microchipping
• Early socialization and exposure programs
• Nutrition and supplementation for giant-breed puppies (Great Danes require specialized diets)
These early investments ensure each dog begins training physically sound and emotionally balanced.
What goes into the cost of training a service dog?
Training a service dog typically takes 18–24 months and includes:
• Advanced obedience
• Task training for disability support
• Public-access skills
• Real-world exposure (stores, events, theme parks, travel)
• Daily handler engagement
• Professional evaluations and progress tracking
• Specialized equipment (harnesses, leashes, vests)
• Ongoing trainer oversight and follow-up
These factors increase the long-term investment but also make Danes unmatched in stability, gentleness, and task ability.
What does lifelong veterinary care include?
Got Your Six Service Dogs is committed to supporting the dog throughout its service career. Lifelong care typically includes:
• Annual exams and bloodwork
• Vaccinations
• Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention
• Emergency care
• Senior comfort care as the dog retires
This ensures both the dog and the veteran receive continued support for the life of the team.
Do veterans ever pay for the dog or training?
How does Got Your Six ensure each dog is medically and behaviorally sound?
We work only with reputable breeders who:
• Perform OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) health testing on generations of breeding stock
• Prioritize temperament, intelligence, and longevity
• Produce athletic, stable, service-ready prospects
Each puppy is evaluated for structure, confidence, trainability, and health before entering the program.
What happens if a dog develops a medical condition during training or working life?
If a dog develops a condition that interferes with service work, Got Your Six will:
• Provide necessary medical care
• Reassess the dog’s comfort and ability to continue
• Offer retirement placement options
• Begin matching the veteran with another service candidate if needed
The wellbeing of the dog and veteran always comes first.
Does Got Your Six provide follow-up support after placement?
Absolutely. We offer:
• Ongoing training refreshers
• Access to certified trainers
• Annual public-access testing
• Support for equipment updates
• Guidance through any behavioral or medical challenges
We stand with our veterans and their service dogs for life.
How can donors help cover these costs?
Support can help provide:
• Veterinary care
• Training equipment
• Crates and Elevated dog beds
• Quality food
• Transportation
• Service dog vests and harnesses
• Medical care for senior or retired dogs
• Placement and follow-up services
Every gift directly impacts a veteran/service dog team.
Who qualifies to receive a Got Your Six service dog?
To ensure the best match between each veteran and their service dog, applicants must meet specific criteria focused on safety, need, and long-term success. Veterans may qualify for a Got Your Six service dog if they meet the following requirements:
Eligibility Criteria
• Veteran Status: Must be an honorably discharged U.S. military veteran.
• Documented Disability: Must have a medical or psychological condition that can be legally and appropriately mitigated by a trained service dog (examples: PTSD, anxiety disorders, mobility challenges, balance issues, TBI-related symptoms, or medical alert needs).
• Stable Living Environment: Although the dog is provided at no cost, veterans must have a consistent home environment suitable for a service dog that provides safe living conditions.
• Ability to Participate in Training: Must be willing and able to attend handler training sessions, complete follow-up lessons, and learn how to work with and maintain the dog’s training.
• Commitment to Team Success: Must agree to provide lifelong care, maintain training standards, meet annual evaluation requirements, and ensure the service dog’s health and wellbeing.
• No History of Animal Abuse or Neglect: A clean record regarding animal welfare is required for acceptance.
How do I know if a service dog is right for me?
A service dog may be appropriate if:
• You have symptoms that a trained dog can reliably mitigate (e.g., grounding, mobility support, task assistance).
• You benefit from routine, companionship, and stability that a service dog brings.
• You feel comfortable incorporating a service dog into your daily life—work, travel, public places, medical environments, and home life.
• You are ready for the responsibility of caring for a working dog.
How is final approval determined?
Final approval is made after:
• Reviewing medical documentation
• An interview with the applicant
• An evaluation of lifestyle, living environment, and specific needs
• Determining whether a service dog will provide measurable, ethical, and sustainable benefits to the veteran
• Identifying the best possible match based on temperament, tasks, and handler needs