Operation Battle Buddy

Operation Battle Buddy

    At Dog Training Federation, our mission through Operation Battle Buddy is to honor and empower veterans by providing professionally trained service dogs—completely free of charge—to those who need them most.

    We understand the invisible wounds that many veterans carry. These highly trained dogs are more than companions—they are life-saving partners who restore hope, reignite purpose, and help veterans reconnect with themselves, their families, and their communities.

    Operation Battle Buddy bridges the gap between military and civilian life by carefully selecting, training, and equipping service dogs to support emotional well-being, independence, and overall quality of life. But our support doesn’t stop at the match. We provide lifelong assistance through continued access to equipment, food, veterinary care, and training—because Semper Fidelis means never leaving a fellow warrior behind.

    The cost to raise, train, and support each service dog can range from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the specific training and care required.  Yet, we ensure that no veteran ever sees a bill. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Every gift—whether time, talent, or treasure—helps us change lives, one veteran and one dog at a time.

    Together, we can ensure that those who’ve served our country never have to “suffer in silence” again. With your help, we can meet the growing demand and give back to those who’ve already given so much.

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We are always seeking support—whether through financial donations, volunteering time, or spreading awareness. Your help ensures that veterans can receive the care they deserve, without the financial burden, and live a more independent and fulfilling life.

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🐶 Top Sources for Service Dog Cost Information

1. GoodRx Health

Article: How Much Does a Service Dog Cost?

• Estimated Cost: $15,000–$50,000 depending on training, breed, and care

• Why it's helpful: Breaks down the cost components (training, vet care, food, gear), and it's written in an accessible and trustworthy way.

2. Assistance Dogs International (ADI)

Website: https://assistancedogsinternational.org

• While they don’t always list specific costs, they certify many service dog programs that often disclose pricing details. They’re the gold standard for reputable service dog organizations.

3. National Service Animal Registry

Website: https://www.nsarco.com

• They provide general estimates of the costs involved in training and maintaining service dogs. While they focus more on registry, their blog and FAQs include solid data.

4. Nonprofit Service Dog Programs

Many top organizations publish detailed cost estimates and breakdowns:

• Canine Companions (canine.org) – often cited as a national model

• Paws With A Cause (pawswithacause.org) – estimates ~$30,000–$50,000 per dog

• K9s for Warriors (k9sforwarriors.org) – frequently used in news stories and research about veteran service dogs

 

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