Thanks to your generosity, Texas Hearing and Service Dogs has flourished in our greatest growth spurt ever in our 17+ years of serving Texas. In the past 12 months we have:
- Purchased 6 acres in Dripping Springs for our Training Center
- Added a wheelchair ramp to the 1911 restored farmhouse
- Paid off the note on the property
- Built Kennel Building 1: 10 indoor/outdoor runs, central heat/AC, hot and cold running water, food prep/grooming area
- Hired two additional trainers
- Erected two large outdoor exercise yards
- Started training classes for Hearing and Service Dog recipients on site
- Created a Volunteer Program to help with the dogs
- Opened the Training Center to tours and hospitality events
We have now began the construction of our state-of-the-art multi-purpose Training Building!
It will be used for:
- Training – currently the trainers utilize the food prep area in the center of Kennel Building 1. Training sessions are periodically interrupted as other dogs pass through on to the outdoor exercise yards. This is a 10’ x 15’ area and is cramped with equipment, supplies, volunteers in addition to trainers and dogs.
- Education Center – In November, THSD launched our International Assistance Dog Trainers Academy. People wanting to learn how to be trainers can now learn from the best! This is especially important for individuals who want to learn to use positive training methods and shelter dogs. As class size grows, we will need a larger, state-of-the-art teaching area. We also will use the building for our pet dog training classes.
- Visitor Center – THSD is now open for tours by schools and other groups. As tours increase in size and frequency, the larger area will better accommodate guests.
- Hospitality – Guests can enjoy Café Woofe and our Gift Shop while visiting us and watching training. This is a great way to welcome guests who come in for a snack, are part of a tour or are visiting for training or an interview.
- Earning Revenues – Proceeds from our International Assistance Dog Trainers Academy, tours, Café Woofe and the Gift Shop will help fund our Hearing and Service Dog training program. It’s important that we supplement the generosity of our donors by generating revenues.
We must raise $118,000 more to complete the Training Center. Please review our once in a lifetime Naming Opportunities and make your donation today!
Who We Are
For 21 years, Texas Hearing & Service Dogs, a non-profit organization, has trained Hearing and Service Dogs to assist Texans living with disabilities.
We adopt all of our dogs from animal shelters and rescue leagues. We use positive reinforcement methodology to train the dogs to bring greater independence, safety and unconditional love to new partners — all free of charge.
Occasionally, dogs trained by THSD are looking for a career change and are offered for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a THSD-trained dog please visit our website at www.servicedogs.org and click on the "Adopt a dog" icon.
Adopting a friend
We never return a dog to a shelter that euthanizes. Instead, we offer our Career Change Dogs for pet adoption. We already have selected these dogs for their friendly temperament and typically begun their training – thus getting the ball rolling for you!
To learn more about adopting a THSD Career Change Dog, go to www.servicedogs.org and click on "Adopt a Dog" at the top of the home page.
Come Visit Us!
Please visit our website at www.servicedogs.org to see pictures of our new training center and to learn about local events and fundrasiers around town.
Texas Hearing and Service Dogs Administrative Offices
480 Turtherglen
Austin, TX 78749
Phone: 512-891-9090
Training Center
4925 Bell Springs road
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Email:
bobbi@servicedogs.org Click here for a list of pets at this shelter
