Joyful Paws Service Dogs

Joyful Paws Service Dogs offers two main program paths: owner-training support and placement of trained service dogs. The owner-training program provides individualized support through private lessons, monthly group outings for advanced students, and seminars covering various service dog training subjects.

The trained service dog program offers started (8-12 months), partially trained (14-24 months), and fully trained (24+ months) service dogs. These dogs are matched based on individual strengths and needs, not first-come, first-served. The program emphasizes a thorough application process, including consultations, forms, references, and home inspections, followed by a waitlist, trial weekends, and match camp for transfer training.

They specialize in service dogs for chronic illnesses, autistic/neurodivergent adults, and civilians with psychiatric disabilities, training specific tasks like deep pressure therapy, cardiac alerts, retrieve tasks, crowd control, behavior disruption, and panic attack alerts. They also have a breeding program for Labrador Retrievers to ensure suitable temperaments for service work.

Pricing Summary

All service dog training relationships begin with a consultation costing $150 for 60-90 minutes. Private lessons are $140 each or $700 for a package of 6. Monthly group outings cost $45 per outing. Seminars are $45 for in-person attendance or $35 for virtual attendance.

For owner-training, total costs are estimated at $4,000-15,000 over 1-2 years. For purchasing a trained service dog, costs range from $11,800-36,000.

Specific examples for trained service dogs include: a 14-month-old partially trained dog costs $19,600; a 20-month-old partially trained dog costs $27,400; a 24-month-old fully trained dog with health clearances costs $33,600. These costs include puppy purchase, travel, vet care, food, pet insurance, flea/tick preventatives, and additional care/training at $1,300 per month. Advanced health clearances for fully trained dogs add $1,000.

Not included are travel costs (flights, hotels, mileage at $1.25/mile), follow-up sessions ($700 per six sessions), and handler-specific gear. Puppy prices from their breeding program are $3,500.

Policies

The contract for puppies includes an 18-month health warranty against heritable traits like hip and elbow dysplasia, which is void if the dog is spayed or neutered too early (before 2 years for males, 18 months or after first heat for females). Dogs sold as non-breeding prospects are required to be spayed or neutered between 24-36 months.

Puppies go home with initial vaccinations, and buyers must get a wellness exam within five days for a full refund policy to apply. Buyers are required to follow their vet’s vaccination schedule. There are no requirements regarding feeding or training methods used by buyers, but research-based nutrition and science-backed training methods are recommended.

While not required, yearly surveys are sent to collect health and behavior data for program improvement. If a service dog prospect doesn’t work out, the contract requires the dog to be returned to Joyful Paws Service Dogs for rehoming, but no refund or replacement puppy is guaranteed unless related to a health concern under warranty.

Joyful Paws Service Dogs, established in 2017 and located in Windsor, CT, is dedicated to providing information and support to individuals with disabilities who wish to train their own service dog or acquire a trained service dog. They offer training support and guidance for fully owner-training service dogs, as well as options for started, partially trained, and fully trained service dogs.

They specialize in training service dogs for chronic illnesses, autistic/neurodivergent adults, and civilians with psychiatric disabilities, focusing on tasks specific to these needs. The business also runs a breeding program for Labrador Retrievers, aiming to produce dogs with the right genetic and social foundation for service work.

Their approach uses modern, humane dog training methods based in established behavioral sciences, prioritizing the canine-human relationship through communication, ethology, and patience, without using pain or fear as training tools. They offer customized training plans to fit individual needs, preferences, personalities, and budgets.

Accomplishments

Kasey Joy Nash, the head trainer, has been raising and training service dogs since 2006, personally raising 20 service dogs from start to finish. She earned her Assistance Dog Training Certification from Bergin University of Canine Studies in 2015 and has maintained her CPDT-KA certification since 2016.

Her breeding program is built on a 30-year foundation, mentored by Jan Lopez of B.E.S.T Service Dogs, who has been producing service dog puppies since the 90s and holds a master’s degree from Bergin University. Kasey also attended the first-ever Assistance Dogs International Breeding Workshop in 2024.

How to Get Started!

The first step for any service dog training relationship with Joyful Paws Service Dogs is to schedule an individualized consultation. This 60-90 minute session costs $150 and allows for exploration of needs, setting expectations, evaluating the client’s dog (if applicable), or beginning the search for a candidate, and creating a rough training plan.

For those applying for a trained service dog, the consultation is a prerequisite for the application packet, which includes an application form, a $75 processing fee, personal and professional letters of reference, a short autobiography and picture, and a home inspection. Acceptance to the waitlist requires a $250 deposit and signing a waitlist contract.