Surging Costs Put Service Dogs Out of Reach for Many

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OAKWOOD, Ill. (WCIA) — Navigating daily life with PTSD poses significant challenges. However, a well-trained service dog can offer invaluable support. Yet, specialists in Central Illinois report that obtaining such a canine companion is becoming increasingly challenging each year.

Representatives from Mission K-9 Warrior, a non-profit that pairs service dogs with veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, highlighted a notable shift — the rising costs.

Vermilion Advantage stands ready to assist those affected by changes at local plants.

“Our trainer is as passionate about this cause as we are, but the rising cost of living is affecting us all,” explained Chairman Neal Stephens.

Stephens himself relies on a service dog, underscoring the personal significance of this mission.

It provides a level of security that he said he needs after serving 21 years in the military.

“The ability to be able to go out in public, that somebody else is watching your back, somebody else is there to pull security and you don’t have to do it alone,” he said.

The organization is providing eight dogs this year. But recently, the money hasn’t gone as far as it once did.

“Three years ago, we were right around the $10,000 to $15,000 range,” Stephens said. “But at the start of the year, we’re going to have to push it up to that $20,000 mark, Stephens said.

That’s still about half of what you would normally have to pay. Stephens said the cost of dog food, vet bills and other parts of training has all gone up.

But the need hasn’t changed.

“I couldn’t put a number on it,” said Cody Cochran, a former paramedic. “The amount of regularity it brings back to a handler’s life that they were missing is invaluable.”

He was fostering a service dog named Jax until an owner could be found. But an anonymous donor came along and paid for Jax to be his.

“It’s amazing what these dogs will do for you,” Cochran said. “And it’s amazing what they can sense that you don’t even notice yourself, that you’re doing.”

It makes it worth it for all involved.

“Listen to any of those vets talk to any of them that you see out in public,” Cochran said. “Please be respectful, but they’ll tell you, having their service dog has been the best thing that’s ever happened to them.”

You can donate to Mission K-9 Warrior online or at the Queen of Hearts drawing they host every Tuesday night at the Exit 210 Saloon in Oakwood. You can find a link to their website here.