To the rescue: Hearing Dogs’ selection trips at home and overseas

Unwanted dogs account for around 70% of Hearing Dogs’ intake of new recruits each year.  As well as selecting as many dogs as possible from rescue centres, our assessors collect numerous puppies and young dogs from members of the public who are no longer able to look after their pet.

Our policy is to select as many dogs as possible from rescue centres.  The Charity’s supply team, supported by volunteers, is in constant contact with rescue centres and dog wardens throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Our assessors are travelling further afield to find new recruits because improved awareness of dog welfare and more extensive neutering programmes mean that there are fewer young, unwanted dogs in UK rescue suitable for training as hearing dogs.

We are investigating the best ways of transporting dogs from rescue centres overseas and continue to work closely with other rescue charities in order to help as many deaf people and unwanted dogs as possible.

We are also grateful to the many private breeders who donate pups as a means of supporting us.  If you know of someone who might be willing to donate a puppy or donate a young dog aged up to three years, please get in touch with our dog supply co-ordinator on 01844 348105.

Rescue trips to the Republic of Ireland

Successful trips to rescue centres in the Republic of Ireland have resulted in more than 50 new recruits over the past year. 

Stray and abandoned dogs continue to be a major problem in the Republic of Ireland.  Hearing Dogs has now employed Ilse Sas, formerly of the Animal Care Society in Doneraile, County Cork, to identify and select potential hearing dogs from the hundreds needing a new home.  Still based in Cork, Ilse reports to the selection team at Hearing Dogs’ headquarters. She regularly crosses the Irish Sea with dogs which enter into Hearing Dogs’ training programme. 

These trips enable abandoned dogs to lead happy and fulfilling lives – and prove that these dogs are capable of great things if given a chance and a loving home.

Read about one particular rescue trip to the Republic of Ireland.