Making Independence Possible
Providing assistance dogs to people across the nation since 1977
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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
HELP THOSE IN NEED AND GIVE DOGS PURPOSE
Monthly Giving - The Pack
The Pack is a community of dedicated monthly donors bringing Assistance Dogs to those most in need. Once you become a monthly donor, you are automatically a Pack Member!
Success Stories
“She is more than simply my Certified Hearing Assistance Dog; she is my second half. My life before and after Mindy is a lot like the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. Before Mindy, my world was very sedentary and gray. After Mindy came into my life, it was as though it has exploded in technicolor”
Read Amy & Mindy's Story
“In just his short time on campus, Archie has had a tremendously positive impact on the entire CWU community. His calming presence and friendly demeanor have brought joy to our students, faculty, and staff, and we have been so happy to welcome him as a member of the Wildcat family”
Read Facility Dog Archie'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
