Dogs for the Deaf Inc Dba Dogs for Better Lives

What it reported doing in 2024

Incorporated in 1977, dogs for better lives (dbl) is the oldest hearing dog training center in the united states, and among one of the first assistance dog organizations in the world to be fully accredited by assistance dogs international (adi). Dbl trainers must complete an in-depth three-year apprenticeship program to become certified as assistance dog trainers. Dbl is unique in that certified trainers bring the trained assistance dogs to the clients' homes for placement, allowing for customized one-to-one client training and support. Additionally, the organization has one of the most thorough follow-up programs in the assistance dog sector.in november 2017, the national nonprofit changed its name from dogs for the deaf to dogs for better lives to better encompass the range of assistance dogs it trains and places, which includes hearing dogs, autism assistance dogs, facility dogs, and career change dogs. Dbl trains shelter dogs evaluated for appropriate temperament, confidence, and work ethic and with purpose-bred dogs within its own breeding program and through partnerships with affiliated service dog organizations across the united states, particularly guide dog programs. Dogs begin extensive training, which can take four to 6 months or longer for each dog. Once trained, dogs are carefully matched with applicants from a waiting list. Certified trainers take the dogs to the clients' homes to teach them how to maintain the dogs' training. After placement, clients are supported for the life of the dogs by conducting ongoing guidance, aftercare, and in person follow-up visits. Dbl does not require fees or deposits thus dogs are provided at no cost to their clients.in the fiscal year 2024-25, dbl launched two new programs puppy raising program in cooperation with prison pet partnership and the Washington corrections center for women in gig harbor. Through this partnership, puppies will be raised for our program. In this unique program, incarcerated handlers raise and train puppies who will one day work as assistance dogs. Staff teaches the handlers to work with the dogs using positive reinforcement training techniques and general obedience skills that lay the foundation for future assistance dog training at one of dbl's training campuses. And the from shelter to service dog program in partnership with the atlanta humane society in atlanta, Georgia. Dbl works with shelter staff and foster volunteers to identify and train shelter dogs who may be good candidates for our assistance dog program with the goal of helping more people and dogs in need. Dbl maintained regular contact with and provided support for 166 existing clients and 78 waitlist clients. Dbl rescued six dogs from shelters; found homes for four returned shelter dogs; bred 43 puppies; and acquired 22 dogs through networking with other service dog agencies. The organization placed a total of 62 dogs: five autism assistance dogs, 16 hearing dogs, 13 facility dogs, 22 career change dogs, one dbl demo dog, four selected breeders, and one dog were transferred to become successful working dogs.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 93.8%; rating input score 94
• Program expense ratio: 84.3%; rating input score 84
• Fundraising efficiency: $7.16 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 27; 27th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 93.3%; rating input score 93; 17th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: -7.5%; rating input score 16; 16th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 2.9; rating input score 73; 73rd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.02; rating input score 79; 79th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 5.7%; rating input score 49; 49th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8% per year; rating input score 100; 56th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 2.7% per year; rating input score 100; 25th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 1.1% per year; rating input score 100; 16th percentile among comparable filings