Hearing Dogs NZ is an independent charitable trust that assesses, selects, trains and places specially trained Hearing Dogs to internationally recognised standards with deaf and severely hearing impaired New Zealanders. We receive no government funding and make no charge to the deaf person receiving the dog, but seek support from individuals, groups and organisations to help train and place these wonderful, portable ‘hearing aids’!

Applicants are assessed based on the information provided by them in their application form, support forms, general letters of support and from an interview undertaken by a Hearing Dogs staff member at the applicant’s home.

Deafness is an ‘invisible’ disability. It continues to be surrounded by misunderstanding. As a result, many deaf and hearing-impaired people often experience feelings of isolation, loneliness and frustration. Apart from alerting the person to the sounds, there are many other tangible benefits of Hearing Dogs.

We receive no government funding, and make no charge to the deaf person receiving the dog, but instead rely on individuals, groups and organisations to help train and place these wonderful portable ‘hearing aids’. There are many ways in which you can help, both financially and in person.