Making Independence Possible
Providing assistance dogs to people across the nation since 1977
Follow the adventures of our Service Dogs-in-training, hear stories from our clients, be the first to know about upcoming events, and much more!
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What Makes Us Unique
We make a difference in people’s lives.
We change lives by providing clients with more safety, independence, and connection to the world around them that they may have lost through hearing loss, an autism diagnosis, or other trauma or disability.
The best dogs for the job.
We acquire dogs through partnerships with breeders, co-ops, shelters and rescues and provide them with expert training that helps the people we serve. Dogs for Better Lives is one of the few national Assistance Dog organizations that trains shelter dogs to become Service Dogs – in addition to utilizing purpose-bred dogs.
Zero cost to clients.
We help people without creating a financial burden for them. There are no application fees or good faith deposits. Thanks to our outstanding donors, we are able to offer these amazing dogs at no cost to our clients. The average value of a Dogs for Better Lives Assistance Dog is $54,000.
Exceptional training and placement.
Certified professional staff train and place Service Dogs with individuals. Unlike most organizations who require you come to them, we go to the client and spend a week with them in their surroundings, learning about their routines, place of work, and unique community settings.
100% to program.
100% of your donation supports programmatic services. Administrative and fundraising expenses are fully funded by the interest earned from our long-standing endowment. Learn more.
About Us
Award-winning Dogs for Better Lives is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit with campuses in Central Point, Oregon and Falmouth, Massachusetts. Formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf, we have been training and placing Assistance Dogs to people across the United States since 1977. We are the oldest provider of Hearing Assistance Dogs in the U.S.
Dogs for Better Lives’ mission is to professionally train dogs to help people and enhance lives while maintaining a lifelong commitment to all dogs we rescue or breed and the people we serve.
Certified professional staff train and place Service Dogs free of charge with deaf or hard-of-hearing adults, children diagnosed with autism, and licensed professionals working with vulnerable communities so people with disabilities can lead safer and more independent lives.
Learn More
Our Dogs
Hearing Assistance Dogs
Trained to alert people to household sounds that are necessary for everyday safety and independence.
Autism Assistance Dogs
Specially trained to enhance the safety and well-being of children and families living with Autism by providing a minimum of three tasks to assist with keeping children grounded and focused.
Facility Dogs
Go to work with and assist professionals such as physicians, teachers, counselors, police officers, and child advocates.
Join the Pack
When you become a monthly donor, you’re joining a community of passionate supporters committed to helping people with disabilities live more independent lives — one dog at a time.
As a member of The Pack, you’ll get exclusive behind-the-scenes updates, heartwarming impact stories, and the satisfaction of knowing your steady support helps us plan ahead and change more lives.
Why Join The Pack
🐾 Make a bigger impact. Spread out your support monthly, making it easier to contribute a larger gift over time
🐾 100% of your donation goes directly to our programs, so we can train and place more Service Dogs and make more life-changing matches.
🐾 Special VIP email newsletter from our CEO.
Be part of something powerful. Join today!
Success Stories
“He has restored my confidence and independence. I don’t have to worry about missing someone at the door or an important sound while I’m working. Jetty is always there for me.”
Read Donna & Certified Hearing Dog Jetty's Story
“A classroom teacher shared that a student on my caseload arrived at school very dysregulated. She told the parent, ‘Don’t worry, it’s Tulip Tuesday, Tulip will help him regulate in no time!’ Sure enough, after 10 minutes with Tulip performing co-regulation tasks and applying moderate pressure, the student transitioned to reading, ready to learn,”
Read Darci and Facility Dog Tulip's Story
“Harley boosts Tama’s self-confidence and self-worth, by being a consistent comrade who never expects anything and loves him just the way he is.”
Read Tama and Harley's Story
“Duke is an AMAZING addition to my life—our lives! My husband is quite grateful for Duke’s presence, knowing he offers me confidence and protection. This amazing gift is one words cannot fully describe—so ‘THANK YOU’ will have to do!”
-Nicole with Certified Hearing Dog Duke
