05/21/2026
K9 Lady and K9 Handler Neko Caballero recently traveled to complete their FEMA Live Find Certification Evaluation (CE) recertification and successfully passed 🎉🥳
Below is a breakdown of what the certification process looks like and how each element relates to real world deployment operations.
The FEMA Live Find Certification Evaluation tests far more than a K9’s ability to simply locate a victim. It evaluates how a K9 team solves realistic search problems under the uncertainty and complexity of deployment.
• Full Access: The handler and K9 work the search site together, reinforcing teamwork, communication, and the handler’s ability to read and support the dog throughout the search.
• Limited Access: The handler begins from a predetermined location, often off site and out of sight, and cannot move unless the K9 locates a victim. This reinforces the dog’s ability to search independently and can simulate environments that are unsafe or inaccessible for rescuers. It also tests the handler’s trust in the K9 and the ability to direct the dog at a distance.
• Victim Loyalty: The K9 must remain committed to a victim source and avoid leaving a find to continue searching elsewhere.
• Unknown Number of Victims: Teams are never told how many victims are present, reinforcing thoroughness and search discipline.
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