Rainbow Service Dogs, Inc

Rainbow Service Dogs, Inc is a program geared to helping individuals train their own service dogs with the support of peers and the community. They offer three distinct programs: Staff-Self Train and Peer Training, Partial Board and Train, and Full Board and Train.

The Staff-Self Train program involves active client participation, with the dog residing full-time with the handler. Clients complete weekly homework and attend weekly classes and outings. This program also provides an opportunity for members to become peer trainers after at least six months, which can lead to a deduction in their training costs.

The Partial Board and Train program keeps the dog for three months. After the first month, the dog goes home with the client Saturday through Sunday evenings. Clients can choose to continue after three months, with the dog staying two days a week and returning home for the remainder. The dog continues training with the handler attending classes.

The Full Board and Train program consists of the dog remaining with RSD for at least six months for basic tasks, potty training, crate training, service dog viability assessment, and task training. Handlers are required to participate in providing scent for specific episodes and attend bi-weekly trainings after the first three months to help the dog recognize their needs. After the fourth month, handlers are asked to take their dog for at least one overnight each week, typically on weekends.

Pricing Summary

Rainbow Service Dogs, Inc strives to keep fees affordable, offering training based on a sliding income scale. For the Staff-Self Train and peer training program, lessons are typically around $15.00, up to $25.00, with the overall program costing approximately $2,800.00 to $3,800.00. Group training costs range from $13.50 to $20.00 per 50-minute hour, private lessons from $20.00 to $30.00, and in-home visits up to $30.00 per hour.

Partial Board and Train fees range from $5,500.00 to $6,800.00, while the full Board and Train program costs between $8,500.00 and $10,000, both based on income and training needs. The first three months’ fees are due upon entry and are non-refundable. AKC testing fees and classes are included in the program, but handlers are responsible for AKC filing fees ($15.00-$25.00), AKC CANINE PARTNERS registration ($19.00 if applicable), and patches ($12.00).

Policies

The first three months of program fees are due upon entry and are non-refundable. If a client receives grant funds from RSD and chooses to leave the program, the monies are not refundable to the client; instead, they will be used for the next veteran or needy client. Suzanne J Perry Scholarship funds are non-transferable.

Rainbow Service Dogs, Inc is a program geared to helping individuals train their own service dogs with the support of peers and the community. They strive to keep fees affordable while offering group, private, and in-home training based on a sliding scale. The program offers education to clients on multiple subjects including training protocol, federal laws, client rights, and medical issues dogs can face.

Rainbow Service Dogs, Inc specializes in working with children and their families, addressing a multitude of psychological and medical issues such as Juvenile onset diabetes, autism, seizures, P.O.T.S, Muscular Dystrophy, and other mobility issues. They train dogs to effectively reduce symptoms of psychological and medical illnesses through various alert methods and deep-pressure therapy.

As a non-profit agency, RSD assists individuals in locating suitable dogs to train as service animals, working with animal control centers, Humane Societies, and local rescues. All staff, including the director and peer staff, are volunteers. They also educate the public about service dogs, their roles, and the differences between service, therapy, and emotional support animals.

Accomplishments

Rainbow Service Dogs, Inc is a 501c3 and 509(a)(2) non-profit agency. The organization moved to Arizona and began serving clients in 2008. The director, Kelley Fecteau, is an Animal Behavioral College (ABC) graduate and has been training service dogs as an apprentice since 1995. Kelley’s first service dog, Hildie, received several medals for heroism and participated in saving lives and rescues.

How to Get Started!

To participate in the Partial or Full Board and Train programs, dogs must have Bordetella and first shots. If entering as a puppy, the owner is responsible for picking up the pup, ensuring all puppy shots are administered, and keeping them up to date.

Upon entrance into the program, members receive a welcome packet containing class schedules, sample training logs, sample homework sheets, and a list of rules and expectations. The program requires maintaining records of all immunizations and copies of licensure for all members, with owners submitting new records annually. All members receive a picture ID for their Service Dog/Psychiatric Service Dog, which includes basic laws on the reverse side, and this ID must be carried at all times when in public with the dog. Upon graduation, handlers receive a permanent ID. Interested individuals can contact the business to learn more about their programs.