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HEARING ASSISTANCE DOGS

Dogs for Better Lives’ Hearing Dogs are trained to alert to specific household sounds by making physical contact with their handler and leading them to the sound.  Sounds like a smoke alarm, oven timer, name call, baby cry, door knock, phone, and alarm clock are commonly trained by our professional trainers.  

This program is designed for adults 18 years or older who require a dog to alert them to a minimum of three sounds in the home. Certified Hearing Dogs are available for those needing public assistance as well. 

Key Benefits of Hearing Assistance Dogs

  • Safety: Prompt alerts to essential household and public sounds such as smoke alarms, baby cries, or someone calling your name. 
  • Independence: Assistance in navigating everyday environments with confidence. 
  • Companionship: A trusted partner dedicated to improving quality of life. 

Capabilities and Skills

Hearing Assistance Dogs are trained to alert their handlers by making physical contact and leading them to sounds, such as: 

  • Home Sounds: Smoke alarms, door knocks, oven timers, baby cries, alarm clocks, or name calls. 
  • Public Sounds (Certified Dogs): Cell phone ringing, items dropping, or strangers addressing the handler. 
Learn more about the differences between Home Hearing Dogs and Certified Hearing Dogs below. 

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Hearing Assistance Dog, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • Live in the United States 
  • Be 18 years or older. 
  • Must need a Hearing Dog to alert them to a minimum of three sounds in the home and a minimum of one sound in public for Certified Hearing Dog handlers 
  • Be open to placement of dogs based on needs rather than preference for size, sex, breed, or color. 
  • Understand that most DBL dogs are Labrador Retrievers, typically weighing 50 pounds or more.
  • Applicant will not qualify if a dog is currently living in the home. 

Stories of Impact

JOHN & CHOWDER

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LAUREN & GANACHE

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LIZ & BARLEY

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Types of Hearing Assistance Dogs

Home Hearing Dogs

Ideal for individuals who only require sound alerts at home or those with limited travel needs. 

  • You do not need a dog to assist you in public 
  • You are retired or work from home and do not need a dog to alert you to sounds in the workplace 
  • You do not need a dog to assist you in class 
  • You do not travel frequently and therefore do not need a dog to alert you to sounds in a hotel room 
  • You only travel by car 
  • You want a dog to accompany you to only pet-friendly establishments like pet stores, pet-friendly restaurants and pet-friendly hotels 

Certified Hearing Dogs

Best for individuals who require a dog trained for public access, providing sound alerts in public settings as well as at home.

  • You need a dog to alert you to sounds in public places such as grocery stores, mall, school, work, restaurants, and medical appointments 
  • You need a dog to alert you to sounds such as door knocks, name calls or the smoke alarm in the workplace 
  • Your schedule includes regular travel by air or public transportation, and you need a dog to alert you to sounds in these environments 
  • Your travel often includes hotel stays and you need a dog to alert you to sounds, sometimes while you are sleeping 
  • You are willing to regularly train a Certified Hearing Dog to maintain their obedience and sound work both at home and in public.  Certified Hearing Dogs behavior and responsiveness must be maintained over the course of the dog’s working life to ensure the team meets standards set by Assistance Dogs International.   

Application Process

Submit an Application:

Click on the ‘Get Started’ button below to fill out and submit an application. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be notified via email of the next step. If you have any questions about the application, please email info@dogsforbetterlives.org or call 541-826-9220. 

Initial Screening:

If eligibility requirements are met, then you will be requested to submit additional documentation, such as a Medical History Form and an Audiogram, which needs to be less than two years old. 

Interview:

Interviews provide us with additional information on the applicants’ needs and lifestyles. A Dogs for Better Lives associate conducts this interview; all members of the household must be present for this interview appointment. 

Acceptance or Denial:

After the interview is completed, the entire application packet will be carefully reviewed and a final decision made as to whether or not one of our professionally trained dogs is suitable for the applicant. 

Waiting Period:

The waiting period for a Hearing Dog is currently 36 months from the time the person is accepted to receive the dog.

Match and Placement:

Hearing Dogs are accompanied by a trainer to the home of the client. The placement will also take place in public spaces if the dog is a Certified Hearing Dog. The trainer teaches the client how to keep the dog working consistently and how to maintain the dog’s obedience training.

Post Placement:

Following the placement, regular communication is required. The client reports regularly on the progress of the dog. When problems arise or the client has any questions, the trainer offers help and answers questions. In-home follow up is also done.

Dogs for Better Lives provides follow-up support for the life of the team. 

Dogs for Better Lives is an equal opportunity organization who does not and shall not unlawfully discriminate based upon race, political orientation, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, military status, or for any discriminatory reason or other status prohibited by applicable law. 

Apply For A Dog

Before you decide to apply for a Hearing Dog, please read about our Hearing Dog Program Requirements.

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