How to Apply for a Hearing Dog
Dear Friends,
Our organization, like many nonprofits, has been hit by the tough economy and we regret that we must suspend the acceptance of new applications until we are able to serve our current waiting list. If you are
interested in applying for a Hearing Dog, please watch our website for
news on when new applications will be accepted..
If you are interested in applying for a Hearing Dog, please review the following step-by-step process. The Hearing Dog Program carefully evaluates each applicant. The current wait for a hearing dog can be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The wait time depends on your position in the waiting list, and other factors, such as the type of dog that best suits your home situation.
If you decide to apply for a Hearing Dog, please complete the entire form with as much detail as possible. All information is confidential and is used only to make the best match for you and your Hearing Dog. The Application Form asks you to include photos or a video of your home and yard, two letters of reference from third parties, and an audiology report. Please include these and the $25 fee when returning your application. You may want to make a copy of all documents before mailing them to us. If anything changes on your application, please notify us as soon as possible–especially contact information.
We look forward to meeting and working with you in your journey toward independence and happiness as a guardian of a special companion. Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments either by calling (650) 898-9117 or emailing us at
info@hearingdogprogram.org.
Follow these steps to apply for a Hearing Dog
Step 1:
Consider your current hearing needs and dog handling skills.
Realize the commitment a dog is for an individual, family, neighbors and/or roommate. Research what a Hearing Dog is and does. Our current waiting list is long and your wait for a Hearing Dog may be up to 4 years.
Step 2:
Request or download an application. Contact the Hearing Dog Program (HDP):
Call (650) 898-9117, email info@hearingdogprogram.org, or mail a request to 2912 Diamond St, #221, San Francisco, CA 94131. You will receive an application via email or in the mail.
Step 3:
Complete the application and return it to the HDP with required documents: a $25 application fee, two letters of reference and pictures of your home and yard.
These documents allow us to better match your needs with the abilities and characteristics of a Hearing Dog in training. One letter of reference should be from a professional addressing your need for a Hearing Dog. The second letter of reference should be from someone who knows you and can speak to your dog handling skills and experience. You may mail, email or fax the completed form. It must have your signature on the last page.
Step 4:
Review. Your application is reviewed by the Application Review Committee. If information is missing or needs clarification, you will be notified. Failure to provide accurate and complete information initially may delay the application process.
Step 5:
Applicant list approval. If approved, your name is entered on the applicant waiting list. Applicants are listed based on the date the complete application was received in our office. However, past graduates needing successor Hearing Dogs are given priority, as they have already demonstrated ability and need. Please provide updates regularly as you experience changes in your life. (for example; change of job, move to a new home, or medical situation change)
Step 6:
Becoming a candidate. Upon review of the Applicant List and comparison to our current dogs in training, the Hearing Dog Program staff makes suggestions for applicants to be matched with dogs that are ready to complete their training. These applicants become candidates, whereby they are asked to attend training sessions with a particular dog and trainer. This may be one-on-one, as a group or a combination of both – all are very important to the success of the Hearing Dog Team. Whenever possible, the candidate is encouraged to come to San Francisco to participate in this training, to maximize the bond with their new Hearing Dog and minimize expenses for the program.
Step 7:
Completing your training. As the Hearing Dog Team completes training, they receive a certificate indicating this success based on standards by which we operate, which are set by Assistance Dogs International.
Step 8:
Graduation. Two to three times a year, the HDP recognizes the Hearing Dog Teams in their community as well as within our Hearing Dog Program family. The graduating teams are presented with diplomas during this fundraiser, social gathering, Hearing Dog Team reunion, luncheon and fun time.
The Hearing Dog Program
2912 Diamond Street Suite 221
San Francisco, CA 94131-3208
Phone: (650) 898-9117
info@hearingdogprogram.org,
