Cost is often one of the major barriers that prevents individuals from obtaining or training a service dog. We are committed to making our service financially accessible. While we are currently unable to provide our program free of cost to our clients, we do offer several financial aid opportunities and are continuously looking to expand financial aid offerings for those who are unable to afford our services.
For all financial aid, the first step in the process is to submit your application for the Client Certification program. You will have the opportunity to note if you would benefit from financial aid.
WA Veterans Clients
This financial aid was made possible thanks to a special grant and donations received.
Criteria to meet:
- The applicant is a resident of Washington State.
- The applicant indicates that they are a veteran.
- The applicant indicates that they are interested in the scholarship.
- The applicant’s dog is already spayed/neutered
BIPOC Clients
This financial aid was made possible thanks to a special fundraiser.
Criteria to meet:
- The applicant identifies as a member of the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) community
- The applicant indicates that the program cost represents a financial burden to them (and explains their financial situation).
- The applicant’s dog is already spayed/neutered
General Financial Aid
This financial aid is made possible thanks to ongoing donations and support to Atlas.
Criteria to meet:
- The applicant indicates that the program cost represents a financial burden to them (and explains their financial situation).
- The applicant’s dog is already spayed/neutered
Once we receive an application fitting one of the above scenarios, we review the application for a scholarship. For non-veteran scholarships, we take the applicant at their word: if they identify as a member of the BIPOC community, we believe them. We also do not verify financial ability. Instead, the Atlas Client Committee reads the response and collectively decides if we believe they would benefit from a scholarship and confirms we have available funds. Veterans will be asked to submit additional paperwork as proof of veteran status.
Financial aid can only be allocated to clients once they have been accepted into the program, meaning their dog has passed our assessment. We will however let you know if you have been provisionally granted financial aid prior to your intake call. We evaluate all financial aid asks on a first come, first serve basis.
Clients may receive up to $500 in financial assistance. They will still be responsible for the following costs:
- Intake fee: $25
- Assessment fee: $100
- Discounted training fee: $150
- Public Access Test fee: $125
To help more people benefit from our services at reduced cost, please consider a donation today. You are welcome to contribute to a specific financial aid fund of your choosing.