National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

10/14/2026

Congratulations to all the search teams who achieved certification last weekend in Romeoville, IL! Participants at this Certification Evaluation—hosted by by MABAS-Illinois in partnership with SDF—included SDF-trained Oklahoma Task Force 1 Search K9s OK-TF1-Tulsa team Jarod Freeman and Uly of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, who certified for the first time!

This certification enables search teams to deploy with their task forces when disaster strikes, and we couldn't be more proud of the hard work all of the teams that certified have put into reaching this milestone. Please join us in giving a round of applause to this hardworking team! 👏

Meet all of the SDF-trained teams that have certified so far in 2026: https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/2026-certifications/

📷 Photo credit: Wise K9 Photography

10/10/2026

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF)-trained canine teams Jeremy DeMott & Chirp and Trinity Maurer & Goldie have deployed with their teammates on Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team (VA-TF2) in response to Tropical Storm Isaias.

After bringing high winds, heavy surge, and severe moisture to the Gulf Coast, Isaias is pushing inland, triggering widespread flash flooding, power outages, and structural damage.

Jeremy, Chirp, Trinity, and Goldie are en route to the Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee border. From there, they will support local search and rescue efforts, navigating rugged, flooded terrain to make sure no one is left behind. 🐾❤️

Please join us in keeping all affected communities, our deployed handlers and canines, and all first responders in your thoughts. Stay tuned for updates as this mission unfolds! ❤️

https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/tropical-storm-isaias

09/25/2026

Roma spent the first two years of her life waiting for a chance. Today, she's proving what's possible when shelter dogs are given the opportunity to shine. 🙌

Roma received the Pet Hero Award at Helen Woodward Animal Center's annual Remember Me Thursday event, which promotes pet adoption and shines a spotlight on extraordinary rescue animals like Roma. She and her handler, Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighter Derek Moree, were trained and partnered by SDF in 2022, and are being honored in recognition of their work together, including a recent deployment to Venezuela where they assisted rescue efforts in the wake of the devastating doublet earthquakes that struck the region in June.

Thank you, The Dodo, for sharing Roma's incredible journey from rescued to rescuer and the life-changing impact of rescue dogs. ❤️

She's so incredible.

09/22/2026

🌈💔 It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that retired Search Dog Tom has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Tom was picked up as a stray and brought to the Los Banos Animal Shelter, where the Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno took notice of him and connected with SDF to see if there might be a place for him in our program. An SDF volunteer traveled to the shelter to evaluate this high-energy, toy-driven dog and determined that he indeed had what it took to succeed as a search dog.

Tom was enthusiastic about his training right from the get-go, and even when he struggled with instruction, he always showed determination to learn and improve. His intense drive and focus paved the way for success, and soon he began to thrive. About halfway through his training, he received the name "Tom" in honor of local rancher and SDF supporter Tom McGrath, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Tom McGrath was able to visit our campus, which he and his family helped SDF find and purchase, and see his canine namesake in action—a very moving and special day for everyone.

In 2014, Tom graduated and was partnered with veteran handler Lee Culley, and just four months after being paired, they achieved certification with Utah Task Force 1. In October 2024, the pair put their skills to the test when they deployed to Florida to assist rescue efforts in the wake of Hurricane Milton.

Tom officially retired from the task force in November 2025, and enjoyed his retirement as a beloved family member in the Culley household, helping to show his younger brother, Search Dog Leon, the ropes.

On August 8, 2026, Tom crossed the Rainbow Bridge with his devoted handler and best friend Lee by his side. Tom’s life and service to his local community and the nation will be honored on SDF’s Canine Memorial Wall for many years to come. ❤️

🕊️ You can read more about Tom here: https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/rainbowbridge/?mgi_256=25204/tom

09/18/2026

Because of you, the journey from shelter dog to national hero continues. 🐕✨

Over the last few weeks, we've shared stories of dogs like Marlin, Bo, Greta, and so many others who started as overlooked shelter pups and grew into elite search partners, working dogs in other careers, or cherished family companions. Your generosity directly fuels the recruitment, training, and care of these resilient, brilliant dogs.

We started this campaign to show the world that high-drive shelter dogs are . By standing with us, you proved that you believe in their potential just as much as we do.

As our campaign comes to a close, we want to extend a massive THANK YOU to our incredible community, our generous donors, and our amazing partners at The Rachael Ray Foundation. Your support gives shelter dogs a second chance at life, and in turn, helps them save the lives of others.

Thank you for championing our rescue dogs and investing in our mission! We couldn't do this without you! ❤️🐾

09/17/2026

📣 Calling all prospective adopters interested in welcoming a high-drive dog into your active home—meet Winston, available for adoption or career placement through SDF's Canine Placement Program!

Winston is a pint-sized (45lb) powerhouse with a personality that's impossible to resist. This happy, athletic pup turns heads everywhere he goes, and it's easy to see why—his goofy charm, enthusiasm for life, and love of play make him a favorite of everyone he meets!

A natural athlete, Winston loves fetch, toys, hikes, and any opportunity to stay active with his people. He's incredibly engaged, eager to learn, and happiest when he has both mental and physical outlets. Whether it's exploring a new trail, playing in the yard, running around with his dog pals, or learning new tricks, Winston is always ready for the next adventure!

After a rough start in life, Winston is ready for a home where he'll be cherished as part of the family. He'll thrive with an active adopter who appreciates a smart, energetic dog and wants a loyal sidekick for everyday adventures. If you're looking for a fun-loving companion who will keep you smiling and will always be ready to play, Winston might be your perfect match!

Head to our website (linked below) to get to know Winston and other great dogs available for placement, or tap "Apply Today!" to submit an application—your new best friend can't wait to meet you! 🐾

Our Canine Placement Program promises a lifetime of love and care to every dog rescued by SDF, and ensures every dog is carefully matched with a home or career that's a great fit for their unique personality. ❤️

https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/canine-placement-program/?mgi_325=67644/winston

09/16/2026

If you ever need proof of the sheer brilliance of shelter dogs, look no further than some of our latest disaster search graduates! 🐾⚡

It takes immense talent to transform from a shelter pup into a certified canine disaster responder, but high drive rescued dogs possess a unique resilience, heart, and determination that make them absolutely perfect for the job. They take the second chance they were given and turn it into a lifetime of protecting others.

When a former shelter dog walks onto a collapsed structure, navigates the chaos, and successfully locates a survivor, that is the ultimate proof of how incredible these dogs truly are.

We don't know when or where the next disaster will hit, but we do know that right now there are extraordinary shelter dogs waiting to be discovered, and first responders waiting for their perfect canine partners. By supporting SDF, you are celebrating the untapped potential of rescued dogs and ensuring they have the chance to show the world what they can do.

There are scores of shelter dogs out there, ready to prove they are 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. Will you help get them there? Donate today!



📷 Search Dog Bo, recruited from Taney County Animal Control & Rebekah Drews (Los Angeles County Fire Department, La County Fire Search Dogs, INC. - California Task Force 2)

Search Dog Checkers, recruited from Berrien County Animal Services Friends of Berrien County Animal Services & Andrea Geddes (Los Angeles County Fire, California Task Force 2)

Search Dog Dingo, recruited from City of Stockton Animal Shelter & Joe Z***r (San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego Urban Search & Rescue - California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8))

Search Dog Leon, recruited from Tri City Animal Shelter & Lee Culley (Utah Task Force 1)

Search Dog Ziggy, recruited from Humane Rescue Alliance & Corey Teng (San Diego Fire Rescue, California Task Force 8)

09/14/2026

One of the most incredible things about shelter dogs is their boundless adaptability and talent. At SDF, we strive to unlock the unique greatness inside every single rescue pup that enters our gates, no matter where their path leads! 🐾❤️

We believe every shelter dog deserves a stage to show the world they are 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲—even if that stage is not a disaster site. Disaster search training is incredibly rigorous, and not every dog decides it's their true calling. But because rescue dogs are so brilliant and versatile, they excel wherever they go!

No matter where their journey takes them, every dog who enters our program is under the safety net of our Lifetime Care promise: 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.

For some, that means a career, and we ensure they transition into jobs they love where their high drive makes them a valuable member of their organization. For others, it means finding them an active, loving home where their wonderful, high-energy personalities are celebrated every single day. 🏡🌟

No matter what, our rescued dogs win! When you support SDF, you are investing in the belief that shelter dogs are capable of extraordinary things, whether they are saving lives on a rubble pile or getting endless belly rubs on the family couch.

Help us celebrate these amazing dogs who are 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. Your gift will change their lives forever!



📷 (Left) Chad, e. Coli detection dog trained by k9inSCENTive, LLC, serving City of Flint Water Pollution Control Department. Recruited from Hancock County Animal Shelter, MS, Kiln, MS.

(Center) Travis, adopted to pet home. Recruited from East Valley Animal Shelter, Van Nuys, CA

(Right) Echo, 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Recruited from Friends of North Central Shelter - Los Angeles Animal Services, LA Animal Services, Los Angeles, CA

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years later, the memories of September 11 remain deeply personal for those who answered the call.

Former SDF handler Rick Lee deployed with his canine partner, Search Dog Ana, to the World Trade Center as a Canine Search Specialist with California US&R Task Force 7, spending 11 days at Ground Zero as part of the rescue effort. In his journal, he shares his experiences, thoughts, and memories from those harrowing days.

As we honor those we lost and those who served, we invite you to read his powerful firsthand account:

https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/rick-lees-911-journal/

#911