Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I apply for a Hearing or Service Dog?
2. What do Hearing and Service Dogs do?
3. What type of dogs do you use?
4. How old are the dogs when they are selected?
5. What training does a Hearing or Service Dog receive?
6. How much do the dogs cost?
7. Can other dogs live in the home?
8. How does a dog become a Hearing or Service Dog?
9. Where can I send donations?
10. Are there other organizations that provide similar services?

FAQ Answers

1. How can I apply for a Hearing or Service Dog?
    
   If you are a Texas resident, fill out an online application for a Hearing Dog or a Service Dog, or request an application from the Austin office at (512) 891-9090, or outside of Austin call toll free (877) TEX-DOGS (839-3647). You may also request an application by emailing Debbie@servicedogs.org. After we get the application, the first interview will be scheduled in the home. Applicants must be at least 18. You may not have another dog living in the home; however, other species of animals are OK.
   
   If you reside outside of Texas, please see our Links & Resources page for organizations that may service your area.
    
   
2. What do Hearing and Service Dogs do?
    
   Service Dogs assist physically challenged individuals by opening doors and refrigerators, fetching out of reach wheelchairs, retrieving dropped items, turning lights on and off, getting help and moving paralyzed limbs. They also perform customized tasks such as assistance with clothing and specialized equipment.
   
   We also train Service Dogs to assist persons with balance while walking, e.g. people who have had polio, strokes or Parkinson's.
   
   Hearing Dogs alert their deaf partners by touch and lead them to a variety of important everyday sounds, including a knock at the door, a smoke alarm, an alarm clock and a baby's cry. They respond to oral and sign language commands.
    
   Hearing and Service Dogs also provide emotional and social benefits through companionship and encouragement of greater interaction from others.
    
   
3. What type of dogs do you use?
    
   THSD adopts all of our dogs from animal shelters and rescue organizations. We use both pure and mix breed dogs. We choose dogs based on temperament, health and age.
    
   Hearing Dogs must be interested in sounds, eager to please, alert, calm and intelligent, around 30 pounds. Breeds in the program include spaniel mixes, border collie mixes and many "Benjis".
    
   Service Dogs must have a retrieve drive, be tall enough to reach a light switch and work by the wheelchair, 55 pounds or larger. Breeds in the program include golden retrievers, labs, Australian shepherds and border collies.
    
   The temperament should be voice sensitive and people oriented. The dogs should not be aggressive towards people or other animals and should have a docile and calm nature. We do not look for a particular breed, rather a very special temperament.
    
   Once the temperament is approved, the dog is examined by a veterinarian including a hip x-ray and tests for eye and heart problems. All dogs are neutered or spayed.
    
   
   
4. How old are the dogs when they are selected?
    
   Hearing Dogs are selected at 9 months to 1 year of age; Service Dogs are selected at 18 months to 2 years of age. This age, young adult, is a good time to test the dog's temperament and to x-ray the hips for hip dysplasia. We do not breed or raise puppies.
    
   
   
5. What training does a Hearing or Service Dog receive?
    
   We train the Hearing or Service Dog 8 months to prepare it to move into your home. After we move the dog into your home, a THSD Trainer travels to your town to train you and the dog together for a minimum of 13 weeks. In-home training is once a week. Sessions are 90 minutes to 2 hours in the home. Later, we train you in places you commonly go, like at your job, school, stores, restaurants.

   THSD uses positive reinforcement-based operant conditioning to train Hearing and Service Dogs.

   Once we determine who will receive the dog, we add customized skills just for the individual.

   
    
   
6. How much do the dogs cost?
    
   THSD's Training Cost: $17,500 / Dog
   Recipient's cost: $0

   The person receiving the dog does not pay anything other than a $25 application fee The person receiving the dog must be able to maintain the cost of caring for the dog with good dog food and vet care after the dog moves into their home.

   
   
7. Can other dogs live in the home?
    
   No. Another dog will interfere with the work of the Hearing or Service Dogs because it is too much of a distraction.
    
   
   
8. How does a dog become a Hearing or Service Dog?
    
   THSD adopts all of our dogs from animal shelters and rescue leagues. If you know of a suitable dog, you can nominate it by filling out a Dog Profile. We do not train a dog already owned by an applicant.
    
   
   
9. Where can I send donations?
    
   Any amount is appreciated. Contributions may be sent to the Austin office. Yo may also donate online. THSD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our tax identification number is 76-0260567. Donations are tax deductible.

   Texas Hearing & Service Dogs
   4803 Rutherglen
   Austin, TX 78749

   
   
10. Are there other organizations that provide similar services?
     
    Yes. If you are under 18, live outside of Texas, or need a Guide Dog or Seizure Dog, please see our Links & Resources page for a list of organizations.