Dogs For The Deaf Inc. places Hearing Dogs with qualified individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who appreciate and will benefit from the loyalty and companionship of a professionally trained dog.
Applicants are screened carefully to ensure they will benefit from a Hearing Dog and that they are willing and able to maintain the dog's training and care for the dog after the dog is placed with them.
The $500 Good Faith Deposit is fully refundable, without interest, one (1) year after placement. The purpose of this deposit is to ensure that the applicant is serious about receiving a dog, is willing to work with and meet the needs of a specially trained dog, and is able to care for the dog once it is placed with him/her. The Good Faith Deposit will be requested after the applicant has met all the requirements and has been fully accepted to receive a Hearing Dog.
If during the first year after receiving the Hearing Dog, the recipient decides he/she doesn't want the dog and it is returned to DFD, the deposit is forfeited. If Dogs for the Deaf, Inc. removes the dog from the recipient's home or if the applicant decides to remove his/herself from the waiting list after being fully accepted, the deposit may be forfeited.
All applicants for Hearing Dogs must send in a copy of their medically based audiogram reflecting current level of hearing loss which is reviewed by the Placement Screening Committee. This panel is made up of Audiologists and professionals who work with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Due to the fact that there are many different aspects to hearing loss, there is no exact degree of loss that can be given as the minimum for qualification.
In-home interviews provide us with additional information on the applicants' needs and lifestyles. A Dogs for the Deaf associate, from the applicant's area, conducts this interview. The interviewer will make an appointment for a convenient time to come to the person's home for this in-home interview. All members of the household must be present for the interview.
After the interview is completed and returned to DFD, the entire application packet will be carefully reviewed and a final decision made as to whether or not a Hearing Dog is suitable for the applicant.
It is important to remember that a Hearing Dog is a wonderful help to many people but is not the best answer for others. We want to make sure that all of our specially trained dogs go where they will be able to help the most.
Dogs are matched with individuals based on lifestyle, personality, activity level, health, and environment. The waiting period is currently 4-5 years from the time the person is accepted to receive a Hearing Dog.
Our intent is to match dogs with individuals based on the temperament of the dog and the lifestyle and environment of the person. We do not place dogs based on breed, size, hair length, or sex.
Hearing Dogs, accompanied by a trainer, go to the home of the recipient. The trainer teaches the recipient how to keep the dog working sounds consistently and how to maintain the dog's obedience training.
Following the placement, regular communication is required. The recipient reports regularly on the progress of the dog. When problems arise or the recipient has any questions, the trainer offers help and answers questions. In-home follow up is also done.
Dogs for the Deaf, Inc. provides follow up support for the life of the team.
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