Dogs On the Go Assistance Dogs

Offers two main programs: 1) Full training and placement of rescued hearing assistance dogs for eligible individuals, requiring an application process; and 2) Private coaching for pet owners to train their own dogs for sound alert work, delivered in-person or virtually. Coaching includes training for specific household sounds and is tailored to the dog and owner’s needs.

Pricing Summary

Trained hearing assistance dogs are provided free of charge to clients with limited incomes. Private coaching services are available with fees listed on their Private Coaching Fees page, but specific rates are not disclosed in the provided content.

Dogs On the Go Assistance Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Woodstock, Illinois, that trains and places hearing assistance dogs for adult residents of Illinois and Wisconsin who are Deaf or hard of hearing. They provide fully trained dogs that alert their owners to critical sounds like doorbells, smoke alarms, phone rings, baby cries, and gas stove clicks.

In addition to placing trained dogs, they offer private coaching services for pet owners who want their own dogs trained to alert to household sounds. Their training is delivered in-person or virtually, and they prioritize serving clients with limited incomes by providing dogs at no cost.

The organization was founded in 2016 by professionals with decades of combined experience in veterinary medicine, social work, counseling, and professional dog training. Their team includes certified trainers and individuals with lived experience of disability, ensuring empathetic, expert guidance.

They focus exclusively on hearing assistance dog training and do not offer general obedience, agility, or pet grooming services. Their unique advantage lies in combining professional assistance dog training with a mission-driven, nonprofit model that removes financial barriers for those who need it most. They also host educational events like the annual Science Expo to raise awareness about hearing dogs and related topics.

Clients can apply for a trained hearing dog through a formal application process or enroll in private coaching to train their existing pet dog for sound alert work.

Accomplishments

Founded in 2016 by a veterinarian, social worker, and counselor with decades of combined experience in assistance dog training. Board members include a licensed clinical professional counselor, attorney, human resources professional, business administrator, and veterinarian with advanced degrees and professional training backgrounds. The organization has trained and placed numerous hearing dogs and hosts an annual Science Expo to promote awareness.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can apply for a trained hearing dog via the Hearing Dog Application page or contact the organization to begin private coaching. An initial consultation is offered free of charge to assess needs and determine the best path forward.