HEARING SERVICE DOGS
Applications for our hearing service dogs are now open.
Life-changing Hearing Dogs
PADS hearing dogs support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important everyday sounds, helping them live with greater independence, safety, and confidence. These highly trained dogs provide reliable assistance in a wide range of situations, acting as both a practical aid and a source of companionship.
Hearing dogs are trained to alert their partners to sounds such as:
- Doorbells and knocks
- Smoke detectors and alarms
- Phones, timers, and other household devices
- A baby’s cry or other important family sounds
- Their partner’s name being called
By providing timely alerts to these sounds, hearing dogs help reduce risk, improve safety, and increase awareness of the environment. Many clients also report enhanced confidence, emotional well-being, and a greater sense of independence as a result of working with their hearing dog.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
PADS hearing service dogs are placed with eligible clients across Western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Each application is reviewed individually to ensure the best possible match between client and dog, with the goal of creating a safe, successful, and sustainable partnership.
To be eligible for a hearing dog, applicants must:
- Have a diagnosed significant hearing loss
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Be able to care for and work consistently with a service dog
- Participate fully in training and ongoing follow-up support
Applications for our Hearing Service Dog Program are open from January 7, 2026, to April 7, 2026. Applications are capped at 100 applicants per program; therefore, applications may close before April 7, 2026. If capacity is available, we will reopen and establish a new cap. We will announce when our current cycle has closed, and applications will reopen in January-April 2027.
Sponsor a PADS Puppy
Donations make these incredible placements possible. Sponsor a PADS Puppy-In-Training and become part of something life-changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hearing Service Dog?
A hearing service dog is a highly trained assistance dog that supports individuals with hearing loss to live with greater independence, safety, and confidence. A PADS hearing service dog is trained to alert their partner to a wide range of important everyday sounds.
Who can Apply for a PADS Hearing Service Dog?
Applicants must be 16 years of age or older, have been diagnosed withsignificant hearing loss, and be able to care for and work consistently with a service dog. Applicants must also be willing to participate fully in training and ongoing follow-up support.
Where does PADS Place Hearing Service Dogs?
PADS places service dogs with eligible clients across Western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
How Does the Application Process Work?
Each application is reviewed individually. PADS considers an applicant’s functional needs, lifestyle, and ability to care for a service dog to determine whether a placement may be appropriate.
The application process goes as follows:
- Application Form – Submit this form with accurate and complete information.
- Interview – Conducted online (MS Teams) or in person, with an interpreter if required.
- Supporting Documents & Payment of Application Fee – Completion of a Medical History Form, submission of two reference letters, and payment of a $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Full Application Review – Confirmation that all required documents have been received. At this stage, you are considered for a PADS Mobility Service Dog.
- Waitlist & Updates – PADS will contact you when a potential match is available and will follow up periodically regarding any changes in your situation.
- Team Training – Once a match is confirmed, you will be given information about next steps, including a $250 Team Training Fee and arrangements for your training program
How Long is the Wait Time for a PADS Service Dog?
Because each placement depends on finding the right match between a client and a dog, wait times vary and cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Placements take into account the client’s needs and lifestyle, along with the dog’s skills and temperament. PADS is unable to provide individual wait time estimates.
Is Applying a Guarantee That I Will Receive a PADS Service Dog?
No, submitting an application does not guarantee placement. The goal of the process is to ensure a safe, successful, and sustainable partnership for both the client and the dog.
What is Involved in Training?
Successful applicants are required to participate in structured training with their service dog, as well as ongoing follow-up support after placement.
What kind of support does PADS provide after placement?
PADS provides ongoing guidance and follow-up to support both the client and the dog, helping to maintain a strong and effective working partnership over time.