Eligibility check
All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Our dogs need a lot of time and attention, so we can't accept applications from people who work more than this.
Dogs require direct access to a safe and securely enclosed private garden for play, training and toileting.
Our dogs need a lot of individual attention, so we can't accept applications from homes with more than 2 dogs already.
Due to the nature of a brood's role, so we can't accept applications from homes with an unneutered male pet dog.
We can't place dogs in homes with other dogs that are younger than 12 months old.
You must have at least one driver in the household. Access to a vehicle is required to attend training classes and in the case of an emergency.
Puppies can take up a lot of space! Mum & her litter will need a suitable calm space in your home where they can be supervised constantly.
We can't place a hearing dog mum with very young children due to the nature of her role.
Dogs need daily exercise for their health and wellbeing. Caring for a litter of puppies can be both physically and emotionally demanding.
We won't place dogs in households that could be unsafe.

Sorry, this role isn’t suitable for you.

Based on your answers, this role isn’t the right fit for you at this time. 

But there are still many other ways you can help us train clever dogs to help deaf people. 

Why not try:

If you have questions about this decision, please get in touch with us at volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk or by phone at 01844 348129.

Congratulations!

We think you'd make a great foster carer for a hearing dog mum.

About you

Please provide your personal details. This information will be used to create your volunteer profile.

Your name will be used on your volunteer name badge, certificates and all correspondence.
A mobile phone number is preferred.
Enter your postcode to search for your address.

Criminal convictions

Having a conviction will not automatically stop you from volunteering, but it must be taken into consideration when assessing your suitability.

Your availability

Looking after a brood and her litter can be like having a full-time job. We need to make sure you have the time to take on this responsibility.

The breeding process takes around 4.5 months. This starts when your brood has her first season and ends when her puppies leave your home. During this time you will need to take her to a number of appointments. This may include during the working day, at weekends or on bank holidays.

Our adult dogs can be left at home for up to 4 hours, however when a mum is pregnant and due to give birth she will need more regular supervision.

Newborn puppies cannot be left alone in the house for longer than 30 minutes. Puppies aged 2 weeks and over must not be left for longer than 1 hour.

Please tell us about your lifestyle and what a typical week looks like for you. A litter will need lots of your attention while they live with you.
Please include any dates.
Please tell us if you have any big changes coming up such as moving house, house renovations, or a new job. Mums and their litters need a stable home environment.
Your home

For the wellbeing of our dogs and your family, we need to check that your home environment is suitable.

Children

Children must always be supervised with a dog.

Children refers to anyone up to 12 years old.

Pets

The safety of our dogs and your existing pets is incredibly important to us, so we need to know about any other pets in your home.

All dogs in your home are required to undergo a behavioural assessment before placing one of our dogs with you.
Please tell us about any other pets that share your home.

Space

We need to ensure that you have a suitable area for both mum and her litter of puppies. All equipment will be provided to you, but it does require a large area of space.

The chosen area should expose puppies to everyday sounds, but also allow them plenty of peace and quiet. This helps mum and puppies feel safe and secure.

an enclosed area with a gate for a dog mum and her puppies
Mum will also need a space in the garden away from the litter as they grow, so your garden must be large enough to accommodate this.
Your preferences

Help us match you with the right dog by telling us about your preferences and expectations. This is a life-time commitment so we are able to be breed specific when matching. Although open-mindedness is still helpful.

We'll try our best to match you with your choices. Please select all options that apply.
Hypoallergenic breeds are prioritised for people with allergies.
Sometimes our dogs require short-term temporary care. For example, when their full time volunteer is on holiday
Declaration

I understand that the information I have supplied will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Privacy Policy.