Money-Saving Service Dog Tips

Service dogs are expensive.  And many people, though certainly not all, that need service dogs are on limited incomes.  If you are receiving SSI or SSDI, you probably aren't getting much money.  And people with disabilities often have many other medical expenses in addition to service dog-related expenses, not all of which are covered by insurance.  For instance, last year I spent $2,055.43 out of pocket on medical expenses, and that is not counting the $2,334.53 I spent on service dog stuff.  This is a significant percent of my annual income and it's hard to afford.

So how do you save money on service dog stuff?  Here are some tips.

• Service dog-related expenses can be tax deductible, just like any other medical expense.  See this article by accountant Traci McGowan for more information.
• If you receive food stamps (SNAP), turn in copies of receipts or other documentation for all medical expenses, including service dog-related expenses.  It can increase your benefits.
• If you are on Medicaid and have a spend down, turn in copies of receipts or other documentation for all medical expenses, including service dog-related expenses.  It can decrease your spend down and also be used to meet your monthly spend down.
• If you live in subsidized housing, like HUD housing, Metropolitan Housing or Section 8 housing, turn in copies of receipts or other documentation for all medical expenses, including service dog-related expenses.  It can lower your rent.
• Note that you will need receipts or other documentation for all these things.  Save your receipts for all service dog-related things.  See this list for examples.
• Keep track of your mileage when you take your dog to the vet.  This counts as medical mileage, which can be tax deductible and can be used to lower your rent or increase benefits like SNAP.  I use a simple spreadsheet in which I record the date, where I am going, and how  many miles round trip I drive.  I multiply the number of miles by the amount allowed by the IRS (which seems to change every year - I think it is 23.5 cents this year).
• Ask your vet, groomer, and any other dog-related professionals if they will offer a service dog discount.  They don't have to and not all do, but some will.  My vet does not charge me for office visits, although I pay for medication, vaccinations, etc.