Australian Search and Rescue K9

05/06/2026

A strong foundation is built on the relationship forged between handler and their K9.

Through every training exercise and operational deployment, handlers develop a deep understanding of their dog's behaviour, motivation, and indications, while the K9 learns to work confidently within the guidance of its handler.

Exceptional search capabilities are not developed overnight—they are built through an ongoing investment into time and training. Not only the training of our dogs but also the training of ourselves.

18/05/2026

Behind every search is a volunteer.

This National Volunteers Week (18–24 May 2026), we recognise the incredible people who make Australian Search and Rescue K9 possible.

From our handlers and support crews to our dedicated trainers, coordinators and operational volunteers — every person plays a vital role in helping us search for missing persons and support our community when it matters most.

Our volunteers give countless hours to training, fundraising, planning and operational readiness. They show up early, stay late, train in tough conditions and remain ready to respond when called upon — all while balancing work, family and everyday life.

Alongside our highly trained K9 partners, their dedication, resilience and teamwork help save lives.

This week, we thank every volunteer who gives their time, skills and heart to this organisation.

You are the reason we can do what we do.

❤️ Thank you for your commitment.
🐾 Thank you for your service.
🔎 Thank you for helping bring missing loved ones home.

10/05/2026

This weekend, the entire ASAR-K9 team took part in a large-scale collaborative training exercise alongside members of Victoria Police Victoria Police Dog Squad and Victoria Police SAR.

Victoria Police set up six different search areas, featuring a mix of “missing persons” and articles unknown to our teams, creating realistic and challenging search scenarios across varied terrain.

3 of our operational teams and 5 training teams worked across the day, with everyone supported by our forever-growing support crew who continue to play such an important role behind the scenes.

The day showcased excellent teamwork, communication, mapping, and planning, with all teams working together to ensure a successful training exercise.

A huge thank you to Victoria Police for their continued support of our capabilities — we look forward to more opportunities to train and work together in the future.

We’d also like to thank HVP Plantations for their ongoing support in allowing access to their sites for training.

04/05/2026

27/04/2026

Yesterday we had the privilege of attending the Bayside Dog Lovers event alongside our amazing sponsor Petzyo, and what a day it was.

Events like these mean so much to us. They’re not just about showcasing our dogs—they’re about building real connections with the community we serve. Search and rescue work often happens behind the scenes, in high-pressure situations most people never see. So having the opportunity to step out, have conversations, answer questions, and show exactly what our dogs and handlers do is incredibly important.

By meeting our team up close, people can better understand the level of training, commitment, and teamwork that goes into every search. It also helps highlight just how vital community awareness and support are in helping us continue this work. The more people understand what we do, the stronger that support becomes—and that directly impacts our ability to respond when it matters most.

We loved seeing so many people come down, take an interest, and spend time getting to know our dogs, handlers, and support crew. Your curiosity, encouragement, and enthusiasm make a real difference.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, had a chat, and showed their support. We’re proud to be part of a community that cares.

26/04/2026

24/04/2026

Today, on ANZAC Day, we pause to remember and honour those who are no longer with us, those who continue to serve, and those whose lives have been forever changed.

We reflect with gratitude on the courage, sacrifice, and mateship that define their legacy.

Lest we forget. 🌺

18/04/2026

Congratulations to K9 Sprite and handler Ang who today passed Preliminary Skills Assessment 1!

This assessment was externally assessed and consisted of:

• Up to 20 acre search for 2 missing persons which must be completed in under 20 minutes.
• An article search where the handler is not allowed to enter the search area until their dog has indicated on the article.
• Pathway search for an unknown number of missing persons which must be completed in under 20 minutes.
• Obedience component consisting of heeling, 6 minute down stay and recall.
• Socialibility test where the K9 is able to be picked up and carried by someone other than their handler.

K9 Sprite & Ang did an amazing job successfully passing all the components of this assessment.

We are super proud of this team, especially given Sprite just turned 1!💪🏼

13/04/2026

On Saturday our K9 teams embraced the cold while training in the Dandenong Ranges, tackling thick bush, steep climbs, and open plains.

Diverse terrain helps both handlers and dogs build the skills needed to be ready for any environment we may face during deployments.

Thank you to Parks Victoria for their ongoing support in providing our team with realistic training locations.

08/04/2026

We are so proud to have elite technology in our corner through their incredible donation of APX radios for our operational teams! This means seamless coordination between us, Victoria Police and other emergency services agencies in order to save lives together.