Sliding Scale

Gonzo Dog firmly believes that all dogs and their guardians should have access to evidence-based, humane dog training and behavior consultants. Inspired by The Dog Behavior Institute's framework and their commitment to accessible and ethical practices, I have created a sliding scale program for my behavior consulting services. Below is a description of the sliding scale options, guidelines to help you choose the best fit for your circumstances, and information on how to access these services.

Options Offered:

I have a set number of sliding scale spots available on a first-come, first-serve basis each month. If a spot is not available at the time of your request, one can be reserved for a future month.

• Option A: 10% price reduction (pay 90%)

• Option B: 40% price reduction (pay 60%)

• Option C: 70% price reduction (pay 30%)

Please note that the sliding scale system is not merely a discount. The full-price service rates are intentionally calculated to reflect my experience, skill, ongoing education and certification - as well as living/business expenses and implementing measures to prevent burnout in a field susceptible to compassion fatigue. If you are capable of paying for full-price services, please do so. This ensures that the sliding scale options remain accessible for those in our community who need them.

Sliding Scale Guidelines:

Below is a graphic about sliding scale pricing from Worts + Cunning Apothecary, along with written guidelines adapted from their text.

Here are general guidelines about the current sliding scale pricing to assist you in determining what might work for you:

The highest dollar cost reflects the true cost of the service. It is the cost that the practitioner would charge all students in the absence of a sliding scale. This price is for you if you:

• Have access to financial security

• Own property 

• Have personal savings

• Would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services

• Are able to pay for non-essential expenses and spend little time worried about securing life necessities

The middle cost reflects the practitioner's acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to participate, even though they do not fully fit the descriptions for the highest or lowest cost tiers. This price is for you if you:

• Are struggling to conquer debt, build savings, or move away from paycheck to paycheck living AND 

• Have access to steady income AND

• Are not spending most of your time worrying about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc.

However, if you can seek financial support from family members, partners or friends, please consider using those personal resources before relying on the sliding scale and limiting opportunities for others.

The bottom cost represents a sincere acknowledgment by the practitioner that there are folks whose economic circumstances would prevent them from accessing their services at all if deliberate opportunities were not made available to them at a cost reflective of their economic realities. This price is for you if you:

• Struggle to maintain access to necessities such as health care, housing, food, child care AND/OR

• Live paycheck to paycheck AND/OR

• Are in significant debt

You deserve a community that values your contribution as much as those who can pay the highest tier. 

Please be mindful that if you purchase services at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher rates, access becomes limited to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices helps build stronger and more sustainable communities. Additionally, when I am paid fairly, I can invest more time and resources into free and lower-cost offerings.

How to Access:

Our sliding scale structure is not solely income-based, and we do not require you to provide any “proof” of need. Affordability is influenced by various financial factors beyond just income. To qualify for our sliding scale pricing, simply let us know you're interested in using it and specify which option (A, B, or C) you would prefer! Sliding scale rates are available for all services listed.

Please note that my ability to offer sliding scale rates is subject to change and availability cannot be guaranteed.