Apply for a Dog

To apply for a Hearing or Service Dog:

1. You must be a resident of Texas. (If you live outside Texas, please see our Links & Resources page for organizations that may service your area.
2. The Hearing or Service Dog needs to be the only dog in the home. Other types of pets (cats, etc.) are okay, but another dog is too big a distraction to training.
3. THSD does not train a dog already owned by an applicant.
4. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
5. We prefer dealing directly with the person applying for the Hearing or Service Dog.
6. Fill out our Service Dog Application or Hearing Dog Application. You may request a copy by phone (512-891-9090 or toll free: 877-TEX-DOGS), by mail (THSD, 4803 Rutherglen, Austin, TX 78749) or by sending an email to Debbie@servicedogs.org. Also, you may print out the application and mail it in.
7. The Professional Reference Form (word doc) must be completed by a social worker, occupational therapist, clergyperson or employer.
8. The Medical Background Form must be completed by your physician.
9. Write a letter explaining your need for a Service or Hearing Dog.
10. Send all of the above with your application fee to THSD, 4803 Rutherglen, Austin, TX 78749. Application fee is $25.

What Happens Next?

Once your application is received, TSHD will conduct an interview with your family and support group, e.g. attendants or other caregivers, at out Training Center in Dripping Springs,TX.

If you are accepted into the program, we will match you with a dog that fits your lifestyle and has the personality and behaviors that you need. We take your preferences into account but cannot guarantee a specific breed.

Training Procedures:

1. We will train the dog 8 months to prepare it to move into your home.
2. When we find a potential dog match for you, we will invite you to come meet the dog at our Training Center. If you and the dog are a good match, we will complete the training, including teaching the dog specific behaviors to meet your specific need.
3. Next, we will schedula a 5 day training period at the Training Center for you to begin training with the dog.
4. After that, we will schedule the dog’s move in at your home and begin the in-home training sessions which will continue for at least 13 weeks. A THSD Trainer will work with you and your Service Dog in your home and eventually in public. You will have "homework" between training sessions, a training manual and a training journal to track your and the dog's progress.
5. Certification exam: Just do what you've been doing and enjoy the congratulations!

Apply for a Dog Now

Fill out our Service Dog Application or Hearing Dog Application. You may request a copy by phone (512-891-9090 or toll free: 877-TEX-DOGS), by mail (THSD, 4803 Rutherglen, Austin, TX 78749) or by sending an email to Debbie@servicedogs.org. Also, you may print out the application and mail it in.

Interested in Donating a Dog?

To donate a dog, please fill out our donation application form. Once your application is received, THSD will contact you by phone or e-mail.