Sliding Scale Pricing Model
Sliding Scale Explained
The prices for our services reflects our education and experience. However, we understand that accessing high calibre, force free training can be difficult. Sliding scale pricing allows us to meet the needs of our community while protecting our team from burnout and overwork as we invest our time, energy, knowledge and compassion with each and every client and behaviour case.
We would like to express our gratitude to Worts and Cunning Apothecary for allowing us to use and share their work, model and language below in its entirety.
Please be mindful that if you purchase a price at the lowest end of the scale when you can truthfully afford the higher ticket prices, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility.
How does it work?
Who can access this pricing
There is no qualifying process or application, however please honestly consider your finances and other resources and choose the option the accurately reflects this.
Sliding scale pricing is not a “discount”. Our client’s willingness to pay as much as they are able allows others to access affordable training options.
How do I register for this pricing
Please note that there are a limited number of sliding scale spots available per month training clients. This allows us to balance the sustainability and calibre of our services with the needs of the community.
Sliding scale pricing is available on Roaring to Relaxed, Separation Anxiety Services and Behaviour Modification Training Services only. It is not available for pet care, pet sitting or play and learn.
Review the information below carefully, prior to submitting a request (at the bottom of the option listing)
For self paced online courses, discount codes will be listed here when available.
What If There Are No Spots Left
As there are a limited number of spots available per program and per month, if capacity has been reached, and if we cannot accommodate other extended payment plans or options, you may choose to register in the next enrolment or month.
Sliding Scale Options
Being honest with yourself and your financial situation when engaging with sliding scale practices grows strong and sustainable communities. It also respects the work of teachers and creators. Like you, we have families to support and rent to pay. Additionally, when I am paid fairly, I am able to invest more time and resources to free and lower cost offerings.
* Basic Needs include food, housing, health care, and transportation.
** Expendable Income might mean you are able to buy coffee or tea at a shop, go to the movies or a concert, buy new clothes, books, and similar items each month, etc.
Option A
The highest dollar cost reflects the true cost of the class or service.
It is the cost that the practitioner would charge all students in the absence of a sliding scale. If you have access to financial security, own property or have personal savings, you would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services. If you are able to pay for “wants” and spend little time worried about securing basic necessities in your life, you have economic privilege and power in our community.
I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic* needs
I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
I own my home or property OR I rent a higher-end property
I own or lease a car
I am employed or do not need to work to meet my needs
I have regular access to health care
I have access to financial savings
I have an expendable** income
I can usually buy new items
I can afford an annual vacation or take time off
_
Payment plans are available upon request, payable by credit card only. However, please note that Stripe, our payment processing platform charges an additional 3.9% + $0.30 for installment payments, and this is a fee we cannot absorb.
Option B
Total Cost Reduced by 20%, you pay 80%
This cost reflects the practitioner’s acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to attend, but who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either descriptions for the highest cost or the lowest. If you are struggling to conquer debt or build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living but have access to steady income and are not spending most of your time thinking about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc., you belong here. If you, however, can ask others for financial support, such as family members, partners, or friends, please consider using those personal resources before you use the resources of the sliding scale and limit opportunities for others.
I may stress about meeting my basic* needs but still regularly achieve them
I may have some debt but it does not prohibit attainment of basic needs
I own or lease a car
I am employed
I have access to health care
I might have access to financial savings
I have some expendable** income
I am able to buy some new items & I thrift others
I can take a vacation annually or every few years without financial burden
_
2 spots per group class (Roaring to Relaxed)
1 spot per month per training services (Behaviour Modification & Separation Anxiety Consults, and related training packages)
Option C
Total Cost Reduced by 40%, you pay 60%
*This represents the practitioners acknowledgement that there are people whose economic circumstances would prevent them from being a part of classes if there was not be a deliberate opportunity made for them to access services at a cost that is reflective of their economic realities. If you struggle to maintain access to needs such as health care, housing, food, child care, and are living paycheck to paycheck or are in significant debt, you belong probably belong here and you deserve a community that honors your price as equal an economic offering as the person who can pay the highest tier. Even when the lower tier is still prohibitive, I will work with folks to offer extended payment plans and other solutions.
I frequently stress about meeting basic* needs & don’t always achieve them
I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic* needs
I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing
I do not have a car and/or have limited access to a car but I am not always able to afford gas
I am unemployed or underemployed
I qualify for government assistance including food stamps & health care
I have no access to savings
I have no or very limited expendable** income
I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them
I cannot afford a vacation or have the ability to take time off without financial burden
_
2 spots per group class (Roaring to Relaxed)
1 spot per month per training services (Behaviour Modification & Separation Anxiety Consults, and related training packages)
Humane Training
Essential to a well-adjusted, happy, & confident dog.
In an unregulated industry such as dog training, it’s important to understand the facts around methodology and the effects on your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Both the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior have released statements addressing the benefits of humane training methods, and the unintended fallout of more “traditional” methods.
