Instructions
Research the needs of deaf dogs. Before adopting any pet, it is important to learn about the different breeds and temperaments they tend to have. There are some books available on deaf dogs, what to expect and how to train them (see Resources).
Search online for deaf rescue dogs in Arizona (see Resources). The Deaf Dog Education Action Fund (DDEAF) provides links to shelters that focus on handling and placing deaf dogs. The DDEAF also provides courtesy listings for dogs that are running out of time on behalf of their individual rescues. New Hope Cattle Dogs often has deaf dogs and fosters dogs in Phoenix and Tucson, with listings published online.
Call Arizona rescues and shelters. Even if a rescue doesn't handle special-needs dogs, it may know who in the area does. These groups may also have contact information for people trying to find homes for deaf dogs that were turned away by that particular shelter. Call your local animal shelter regularly and ask whether your contact information can be given to anyone surrendering a deaf dog.
Fill out the required adoption paperwork. Most rescues require you to prove that you can provide for the dog, that your entire household has agreed to the adoption, that your home is dog-friendly, and that your lifestyle will allow you to spend adequate time with your new pet. Once your application is received, you will usually receive a phone call for a brief interview and, if approved, to schedule a home check. When you give your interview, make the interviewer aware that you have researched the necessary considerations when owning a deaf dog and are prepared for the dedication it requires.
Arrange for a home visit with a representative of the rescue. Shelters and some rescues may not require home visits, but many do. You and your family will have to meet the representative at your home and demonstrate that the dog will be coming into a safe, loving environment.
Meet the dogs. Sometimes you will meet the dogs before filling out any paperwork, and other shelters will not arrange for meetings with the dogs until after you are approved. Because of budget constraints, many shelters cannot afford to have open browsing hours for interested adopters, so they will go through the approval process first to avoid wasting the time of their limited volunteer base. The rescue will try to help you choose the best-fitting dog for your situation, matching the dog's needs with yours.
Pay the required fees and sign the adoption paperwork once you have found your best-matched deaf dog. Most shelters and rescues require you to agree to inform them of any address changes and to return the dog to that specific shelter or rescue should you find that you are unable to care for the animal. Rescues are particularly careful about placement and are especially protective of special-needs dogs, so expect them to check repeatedly that you are sure about your decision to adopt a deaf dog. Fees can range from nothing to hundreds of dollars, depending on the shelter or rescue, what is included in those fees, and the age and condition of the dog. Special-needs dogs often have lower fees because it is more difficult to find homes for them.
Purchase a dog license for your dog. Arizona state law requires all dogs have a license. License fees vary by county. In general, the fee for a spayed or neutered dog is less expensive than an unaltered dog. All dogs are also required by Arizona state law to have a current rabies vaccination. Check with your county about leash laws; although, it is always safer to keep deaf dogs on a leash when outside the home or yard since they won't be able to hear you calling to them should any danger present itself.
How to Rescue Deaf Dogs in Arizona
Deaf dogs need homes just as badly as any other dog. Some people claim that hearing-impaired dogs are more aggressive than hearing dogs, which is not true, according to the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund. It takes a little patience and understanding, but deaf dogs can be trained using hand signals rather than verbal commands. Because public shelters are overflowing with animals in need of adoption, they generally euthanize the blind and deaf dogs because of their lessened likelihood of placement in a home.