Support Hearing Dogs
Hearing Dogs NZ relies on support from individuals, groups and organisations to help train and place these wonderful portable ‘hearing aids’.
It costs approximately $30,000 to train every Hearing Dog and the dogs are placed at no charge to the recipient.
Sponsor a puppy
Puppy Sponsor is one of the most effective ways of supporting our work. As a Sponsor you will provide training to Hearing Dogs being prepared for this very skilled job. Some donors sponsor a single dog, some sponsor several dogs and some share sponsorship of ‘their’ dog. It is a great project for an extended family, club or organisation.
You will get a photo and information about the dog you are sponsoring and you will be able to follow their progress as they gain their special skills. Sign-up to sponsor a Hearing Dog puppy today!
Make a bequest
Leaving a legacy to Hearing Dogs can be a great way of supporting the organisation in the future. However, you may not know how to incorporate your wishes in your will.
The easiest way of doing this by a Codicil (an amendment or addendum to your existing will) or incorporating appropriate wording in any new will you are drawing up. We always advise all those considering making a Bequest to Hearing Dogs to contact their lawyer, who will ensure they are correctly advised about incorporating their wishes in their will.
Partner with us
We are actively seeking support from organisations who realise there could be an opportunity to create a mutually advantageous marketing relationship. Such support might be provided through donations, or through the provision of goods and services that may be required by Hearing Dogs on a one-off or on-going basis.
Sponsoring Hearing Dogs can be a great way for a commercial organisation, social club, service club, or simply a group of individuals to really make a difference in the deaf community.
Volunteer
We rely on the generosity of many volunteers in a wide range of roles throughout our work to create Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Two key areas we are seeking help with are puppy socialising and awareness ambassadors. More information about these roles below, please get in touch with us if you are able to assist Hearing Dogs in a voluntary capacity.
Puppy Socialisers
Hearing Dogs are trained at our National Training Centre in New Plymouth. Sometimes it is necessary for us to place a trainee Hearing Dog puppy with a ‘socialiser’ until the dog is old enough to begin its formal sound training (usually around 8 months old), or even while it is being trained.
Socialisers look after the puppy and provide basic obedience training, general socialisation, and human contact as per specific Hearing Dogs’ guidelines. A puppy may be placed with a socialiser for a few days, weeks or several months, depending on the circumstances. All socialisers provide their services on a voluntary basis, free of charge.
Requirements of a Hearing Dog Socialiser:
Have previous experience caring for dogs.
Unlikely to have another dog younger than 2 years.
Must have a fully fenced enclosed area.
Will take part in an interview in their own home.
Willing to spend a good deal of quality time working with the dog and Hearing Dogs staff.
Will ensure the dog has human contact for at least 95% of a 24-hour period.
Will not leave the dog unsupervised at any time.
Will permit the dog to sleep indoors.
Will keep adequate and appropriate notes of the dog’s behaviour and performance.
Will comply with and adhere to our Socialising Guidelines and Socialiser Agreement.
We provide the Socialiser with the dog’s bed, bedding, food, leash, toys, treats, bowls, indoor kennel (cage) and any medical treatments required. We also provide initial orientation for each Socialiser, a notebook to record the dog’s behaviour and performance, and a Socialiser manual.
To discuss whether the role of a Hearing Dog Socialiser might be suitable for you, please get in touch with us.
Ambassadors
One of the biggest challenges we face is raising awareness of the role and value of Hearing Dogs. Having registered speakers who can give presentations on our behalf means we are able to raise the profile of Hearing Dogs across the country.
We are frequently asked to give short presentations to service groups, clubs and other gatherings; however, we have limited people trained to undertake such engagements.
If you think you could help as a speaker please contact us. We will provide appropriate training and resources to enable you to undertake such engagements. Speakers provide their services on a voluntary basis, free of charge. Get in touch to find out more and register your interest.