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Hearing Dogs

General Information / Associations & Organizations / Fundraisers & Events / Books


For a person who is hearing impaired, the feeling of vulnerability and isolation can be overwhelming. A Hearing Dog is a dedicated assistant to such people — He will alert his master to important sounds, such as the sounds of a baby's cry, the telephone ringing, a knock at the door, an alarm clock, a kettle whistle, in addition to such danger signals as the sound of a smoke alarm, burglar alarm, or even the rustling of a prowler.

These dogs provide a sense of security, independence, and of course companionship to their human partners. They proudly wear their working vests and enjoy the same public access rights as Guide Dogs for the blind.


Associations & Organizations

(Listed in alphabetical order)

  • Assistance Dogs International Inc.
  • The Canadian Foundation for Animal-Assisted Support Services
    P.O. Box 279
    Winchester, Ontario, K0C 2K0
    Tel.: 613-774-0001
    E-mail: generalinfo@cf4aass.org
    Website address: www.cf4aass.org and www.cf4aass.org/events

    Vision Statement: Our vision is to support the innovation, coordination, and integration of Animal-Assisted Support Services.

    Mission Statement: Our mission is to receive and maintain a fund to build the capabilities of individuals facing physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral, developmental, social and spiritual challenges through the use of animal assisted therapy and related services.

    Goals: To unite Animal-Assisted Support Services Stakeholders to identify core values and common priorities to stimulate collaborative action in the spirit of cooperation and inclusiveness. To inspire and ensure a consistent level of quality, safety, and End-user satisfaction.

  • Diamond In The Ruff Medical Dogs
    Located in the GTA, Ontario (Serving all of Canada)
    Tel.: 905-782-3647
    Offering pre-trained medical service dogs, owner assisted medical service dogs and obedience classes for the general public, seniors and those with disabilities in a home-like environment simulating real life for a great well-rounded family pet. Providing services for all medical and physical conditions including cross mobility dogs.
  • Handi-Dogs, Inc.
    A Service and Hearing Dog Training Organization located in Tucson, Arizona. — "At Handi-Dogs, Inc. we help people with physical disabilities to achieve an improved quality of life through the training and use of service dogs."
  • International Hearing Dog, Inc.
  • Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
    Lions Foundation of Canada is a federally incorporated charitable foundation founded by the Lions Clubs of Canada. Its mission is to provide service to physically challenged Canadians in the areas of mobility, safety, and independence. Lions Foundation of Canada was incorporated on February 20, 1983, and provides Dog Guides to Canadians through three on-going programs:
  • Pacific Assistance Dog Society
    PADS’ mission is to raise and train dogs for people who are facing the daily challenges of life with a disability other than blindness, in order to provide a greater level of independence and an enhanced quality of life. Serving people in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.


Fundraisers and Events

Please see the main Working Dogs section for upcoming events.

Note to Working Dog Organizations: If you have any upcoming fundraisers or events that you would like listed here, please e-mail us with the details and we will be pleased to add them.



Reference Books & Magazines

The Harness The Harness is a magazine for people who use assistance dogs. It explores such issues as canine health care, access issues, travel concerns, and legislation from a Canadian perspective. For further details, visit www.theharness.ca or contact Miss Devon Wilkins at theharness@rogers.com.

Luke and his hearing-ear dog, Herald

Luke and his hearing-ear dog, Herald

When Luke, a nine-year-old boy who is deaf, gets a puppy named Herald, they discover they can talk to each other...




Note: We are always in need of articles, stories, poems, etc. for the Working Dogs section of Canada's Guide to Dogs — Submissions are welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to e-mail us.

~ Contact Us ~ If you are part of a working dog group and would like to be listed here. (Simply send us an e-mail with the details, including your website address, and we would be pleased to add it.)

~ Contact Us ~ If you need a website designed and/or updated for your working dog organization. Note: Canada's Guide to Dogs provides FREE web design services for non-profit organizations.

Working Dogs Home  /  Guide Dogs  /  Hearing Dogs  /  Service Dogs  /  Therapy Dogs
SAR Dogs  /  Police Dogs  /  Military Dogs  /  Protection Dogs
Herding Dogs  /  Livestock Guardian Dogs  /  Fundraisers/Events


Copyright ©P.Mitchell 2004,2008. All Rights Reserved.

Last Updated: 19 March 2008