And a wonderful dog will be given a second chance as a helper and companion. Hearing dogs are provided free of charge to those who receive them. There is a waiting list of six months to a year, however most successful applicants will receive their hearing dog within one year after applying. Each dog is custom trained to meet the needs of each applicant. Dogs trained for persons with special needs may require more time.
Great care is taken to make a good match between applicant and dog.
Activity level, lifestyle, and health of the applicant are all considered. IHDI's by-laws require that all dogs be selected from local animal shelters and evaluated by its trainers. Each dog must meet standards of health, intelligence, youth and temperament. Chosen expressly for these traits, these formerly unwanted or abandon dogs are given a second chance and become the way to a new and broader life for their deaf masters. Due to liablity concerns, personal pets cannot be trained, nor can we accept private donations of dogs.