Foster a hearing dog mum

We are urgently looking for volunteers to foster our hearing dog mums.

Apply now!
Hearing dog spaniel mum nuzzling one of her very young puppies

Our hearing dogs are specially trained to alert deaf people to important sounds, like a smoke alarm or a baby's cry. They’re also companions. Their love and emotional support help many deaf people feel less isolated and alone.

A hearing dog can be life-changing, but they can't be brought into the world without our amazing volunteers. Could you help us create and nurture the next generation of hearing dogs, and help deaf people leave loneliness behind?

Hearing do staff member holding a hearing dog puppy

Fostering a hearing dog mum offers a unique and rewarding experience. As a fosterer, you’ll provide a home to one of our beautiful and well-trained hearing dog mums. You will have the opportunity to experience the joy and fulfilment of raising a litter of puppies and playing a crucial role in their early development. Your care and support will ensure they’re ready to start their training to become life-changing hearing dogs at the age of 8 weeks.

What's it like to look after a hearing dog mum?

You can find out first-hand from our lovely volunteer Verity who looks after hearing dog mum Willow while she brings the next generation of life-changing hearing dogs into the world.

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Urgent help needed

We are currently urgently looking for volunteers who would like to foster a hearing dog mum.

Apply now!

About our breeds

We have trained several breeds to become hearing dogs, but over the last 40 years we have found our fantastic four. They are Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles and Cockapoos. These breeds all have the traits needed to become the perfect hearing dog.

If you prefer one of our breed types, let us know when you apply.

I want to apply for this role
Sandy coloured poodle looknig happy sat outsid eon grass
Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent and are skilled in many activities including agility and obedience. They are known to make excellent assistance dogs.
A young adult Cocker Spaniel apricot coloured running outside with her tongue hanging out
Cocker Spaniels are known to make great companions, and their temperament makes them an ideal all-round family dog.
A happy looking cream coloured adult Labrador wearing a burgundy bandana that says 'Hearing Dogs Family' sat outside on grass
The Labrador is one of the most popular of all pedigree breeds and their popularity comes from their versatility as family companions, assistance dogs as well as working gundogs.

Questions about this role?

Our friendly volunteering team are here to answer all your questions about becoming a fosterer. They can also give you more information about our other volunteering opportunities.

Apply now!

Contact our friendly Volunteering Team

Hand-drawn illustration of a lanyard with a card that says ‘Volunteer’ on it