Hearing Dogs

Written By Alexandra Land
A woman sitting in an armchair interacts with a service dog, gently gesturing toward the dog while holding its leash. The dog, a yellow Labrador wearing a blue vest, stands beside her, attentive and calm

What is a Hearing Dog?

Canine Companions hearing dogs are specially bred Labrador and Golden Retrievers who alert partners to key sounds by making physical contact such as nudging the leg or arm. Among the many sounds hearing dogs are trained to recognize and respond to are the sound of a doorbell, alarm clock, someone calling a name or a smoke alarm.

Partnering with a Canine Companions hearing dog can increase feelings of security and self-confidence by heightening awareness of environmental sounds.

After being placed in the home, the graduates “customize” the dog’s alerting pattern to their own particular environment and needs. Examples include: alerting to incoming e-mail messages at work, timers on microwaves, dryers and other appliances, and dropping keys. Learn more about Canine Companions’ Hearing Dogs at Canine.org.

The process to receive a Canine Companions assistance dog includes multiple steps. Find out if an assistance dog is right for you and start the process to receive more information.

Please note: Canine Companions does not train or place dogs for the following; to do guide work for the blind, to do seizure or diabetic alert/response, to anticipate or detect medical symptoms, for the primary benefit of emotional comfort or social support, to recognize and/or manage undesirable human behavior, to provide supervision, navigation, or safety from environmental hazards, to respond aggressively, to provide personal protection, to assist with the management of mental illness as a primary condition.

SUPPORT PUPPY RAISING PROGRAMS

MAKE A DONATION

3% Cover the Fee

BECOME A SPONSOR

Explore All Giving
Puppy Sponsorship
Puppy Sponsorship
$500.00

Make a meaningful impact by sponsoring a Canine Companions puppy through the Lions Project Puppy Sponsorship program. Your sponsorship helps cover essential early-life expenses such as vaccinations, health care, and travel to the puppy’s new home with a dedicated volunteer puppy raiser.

As a token of appreciation, you’ll receive a commemorative plaque—a lasting reminder of your generous support in helping shape a future service dog’s journey.

What You’ll Receive

  • An 8" x 10" black laminated plaque with a commemorative photo of your sponsored Canine Companions puppy

  • The opportunity to support the life-changing work of service dog placement from the very beginning

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Kennel Sponsorship
Kennel Sponsorship
$1,500.00

Support the care and well-being of future service dogs with a Kennel Sponsorship. Your sponsorship helps provide food, daily care, and essential maintenance for one kennel housing two dogs throughout their Professional Training period with Canine Companions.

This stage of training is critical in preparing dogs for their future roles as life-changing service dogs. Your gift ensures they receive the best care in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment—allowing them to thrive as they learn to serve.

What You’ll Receive

  • A professionally crafted wall plaque

  • A 4" x 6" photograph of a Canine Companions litter

  • Recognition for your role in supporting the development of future assistance dogs

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Graduation Sponsorship
Graduation Sponsorship
$2,500.00

Support one of the most meaningful moments in the Canine Companions journey by sponsoring a graduation ceremony. Your Graduation Sponsorship helps offset essential expenses such as venue rental, setup, publicity, and accessibility services, including a sign language interpreter.

As a valued sponsor, you'll be recognized during the ceremony and receive a handsome commemorative plaque featuring a 5” x 7” photograph of the graduating class—symbolizing the life-changing partnerships made possible by your generosity.

What You’ll Receive

  • A plaque featuring a 5” x 7” horizontal photo of the graduating class

  • The satisfaction of supporting a milestone moment in the lives of clients and service dogs

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Professional Training Sponsorship
Professional Training Sponsorship
$10,000.00

Play a direct role in shaping a future service dog by sponsoring its advanced training. The Professional Training Sponsorship covers the cost of daily instruction, behavioral testing, field trips, and essential supplies during this vital stage of development.

As a token of appreciation, sponsors receive an elegant glass-engraved plaque featuring a 5” x 7” photograph of the sponsored dog—a meaningful keepsake symbolizing the transformative impact of your support.

What You’ll Receive

  • A glass-engraved plaque recognizing your sponsorship

  • A 5” x 7” photograph of the sponsored Canine Companions dog

  • The opportunity to support the advanced training and preparation of a future service dog

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Alexandra Land
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Service Dogs