We were granted 501(c)(3) non profit status by the IRS in 2007. We are a wilderness K9 search and rescue team trained and certified in locating and relieving the distress, and preserving the lives of persons who are missing or lost in the backcountry, remote areas, or waters of the State. We work at no charge, day or night, 24/7 in all weather conditions. Our dogs are trained in air scent, land ca
daver and water recovery. VSARK9 is composed of K9 handlers, field support and communications personnel. All members assist in the training of the dogs. There is an Active member category requiring field certifications and an Associate Membership category for those who wish to assist in a significant way but not in the field. Associate members can assist by acting as subjects for our dogs, offering technical radio/communications assistance, fundraising or legal assistance or in some advisory capacity. An important part of our mission is education. We offer a “Lost but Found …Safe and Sound’ program to school aged children, as well as programs and field demos to the general public and civic groups. Contact us at info@vsark9 to request a program. We encourage those interested to review the What is Involved page. This work, while very appealing, requires a significant commitment of time and resources. VSARK9 responds only to those agencies in Vermont which have statutory jurisdiction for missing persons. We do not respond to private requests nor do we respond to requests for missing pets. Our dogs are trained to indicate on human scent only and are trained not to respond to any animal scent. If your pet is missing please go to the following link for assistance. www.missingpetpartnership.org
Our members are trained in:
Incident Command System (ICS)
SOLO Wilderness First Aid
Land navigation
compass, map & GPS
Search Management
CPR
Crime Scene Preservation
Canine 1st Aid
Mantracking
Scent Theory
Ground search techniques
All Active Members must pass a national criminal background check (NCIC). VSARK9 trains and certifies with nationally recognized certifying organizations (IPWDA, NAPWDA, etc.) thereby providing state agencies a level of professionalism.
