Where Can You Get a Certified Hearing Service Dog?

Trained service dogs can be a lifesaver -- sometimes literally -- to individuals with disabilities and other special needs. These dogs can be trained to be someone's eyes, legs, hands or, in the case of hearing dogs, ears. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs can accompany their partners wherever they might be needed, including places where pets normally aren't allowed. As indispensable as these are, it may be a comfort to know that there are several avenues to obtain one.

  1. Hearing Dogs

    • A hearing dog is a medical service dog who is trained to alert deaf or hard of hearing individuals to a variety of important sounds around the home. These sounds might include a doorbell, an alarm or buzzer, an oven timer, a smoke alarm, a crying baby or even the sound of the person's own name. Upon hearing such a sound, the dog is trained to touch the individual and lead her to the source of the sound.

    Public Hearing Dogs

    • A public hearing dog is one who has been trained to accompany his partner into public places and help her be aware of environmental sounds. As the dog reacts to sounds in his surroundings, the deaf individual is able to pay attention to his reactions and body language and look in the direction of sounds that get the dog's attention. Not all hearing dogs receive the training that prepares them for public assistance, which generally includes how to be well-behaved and responsive to the deaf individual's needs in public.

    Certification

    • There is no universal certification standard for hearing dogs. Various training organizations may have differing levels of certification within their own organization. The Sam Simon Foundation, for example, certifies its public hearing dogs to differentiate them from those who are trained only in the home. Some organizations might offer certification programs that include beneficial training for both the dog and his owner. It's a good idea to ask any organizations from which you're considering obtaining a dog if they provide such a program.

    Organizations

    • If you or a loved one are in need of a hearing dog, there are several nonprofit organizations where you can apply for one. The application process generally includes screening for need and suitability and an assessment to help match the right dog to the right person. Because of the cost and time involved in training the dogs, most of these organizations have a long waiting list. These organizations include Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Inc., The Sam Simon Foundation and Dogs for the Deaf Inc. In addition, Pet Partners provides a directory of service dog trainers that can help you find a trainer in or near your area, some of whom might be able to train your own dog to become a hearing dog.