The need for trained and certified service dogs is increasing as people become more aware of the assistance that well trained canine companions can give. Unfortunately, waiting lists are long and well trained dogs are expensive.
What if this need could be filled? Hundreds of people would have better lives with the support of a trained and certified serviced dog.
Thanks,
Janna
Dogs for a Cause – Venture Pitch Reflection
After considering the feedback from the peer critiques some of the things I would include are:
- An About Us page. Which would have information about myself, and my qualifications to lead an online learning and management organization. This page would also include a staff of, qualified dog trainers (certified and registered with Assistant Dogs International), skilled and experienced online educators, web-developers and technicians, a business manager, a financial chief, and a marketing specialist.
- A clear explanation of why we are asking for sponsors or donations. Including how much we need to get started, and on an ongoing basis. (Investors need to be aware that the only thing they are going to get back is a receipt for taxes.)
- A clearer outline of the financial structure of the venture. As Eva pointed out, I see this as a non-profit organization, so it would be important to make sure income and expenses are transparent.
- Obviously staff would be paid at industry standard for their expertise. experience and time. A side from the administrative costs, which would include travel of those testing for certification and the development of learning and training material. The goal would always be the training of, and placement of, Service Dogs.
- Those investing (donating) income would be generated through:
- Tuition of Service Dog Training Students
- Sale of Service Dog Training Modules for those privately training there own dog.
- Sponsorship of Service Dog Foster Dogs and Dogs in Training
- Fundraisers
- An example of a Student Training Module.
- A clearer explanation on how community groups such as 4H and school clubs could be involved through the Puppy Foster Community Groups Program. Where each member of the group is a Puppy Foster Parent, and must meet weekly, and train daily, to ensure their Puppy is ready to start Service Dog Training at about eight months old
- A clear explanation on the legalities of Service Dogs in Canada. Ghassan pointed this out, and I overlooked it because there is no real governing body regulating Service Dogs in Canada. In fact, that is why there has been such an increase in “fake service dogs”. By creating a company whose trainers must be members of good standing, and dogs must be certified through Assistant Dogs International, this helps to insure that dogs are meeting standards set by a governing body.
The feedback from the critiques was useful and if implemented would certainly help create a much stronger business proposal. I certainly hope that a program like this could be started as there is certainly a need for it in Canada, and worldwide.
