How to Support Search Dog Teams

Canine Rescue at the World Trade Center

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Search dogs are amazing dogs that find people. Some seek out people buried alive in natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Other dogs track people who are lost or missing. These dogs and their handlers are highly trained teams that respond nationwide. Here are ways you can support search dog teams.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Contribute to a volunteer search dog group. Groups like Search One Rescue in Texas, WOOF in California and other teams across the nation depend on public donations to help pay for equipment and transportation. They are nonprofit and are not government-supported for their search and rescue work.

Step2

Dog in training Donate to search dog training groups. The National Search Dog Foundation and other groups recruit dogs from shelters and breed rescue groups. They professionally train the dogs and match them with firefighters or other rescuers at no cost to the department. The rescued dogs become the rescuers.

Step3

Ask your favorite search and rescue (SAR) group how you can help. Sometimes the group needs money to pay for equipment and travel expenses. Sometimes a group has a special need like GPS devices or field supplies. They can use replacement supplies like crate covers, doggie bags and handler equipment. Each group has unique needs with a "wish list" or donation program.

Step4

Volunteer to help organize events and fundraisers. Stuff mailers, answer phones or file search records. Volunteers often provide foster homes for SAR dogs in training or adopt former search dog candidates.

Step5

Check off a workplace donation. Many employers have payroll deduction programs for non-profit groups like SAR teams. Some companies sponsor community walkathons so that you can raise money for a SAR by walking in the event.

Step6

SAR Dog talking a rest Support a local search group with a regular fund-raiser. Cub Scouts in El Dorado Hills, California, have a Cans for Canines program. They collect and recycle aluminum cans and donate the proceeds to the Search Dog Foundation. Hold a Coins for Canines or a dog wash party for donations. Make it a fun event for friends. You can make a difference that saves lives.

Tips & Warnings

Select a certified rescue group. Many scam operators solicit funds for charities and keep the money for themselves.
Do not donate to people who call you or come to your door saying they are collecting for search and rescue. Find a SAR group you trust and donate directly to them.