National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

08/31/2026

⛑️🐶 REMINDER: Join the Search Dog Foundation for an online information session tomorrow, September 1 at 3:00pm, or Thursday, September 10 at 9:00am to learn about our mission, programs, the vital role US&R canine handlers play in disaster response, and becoming a canine handler with SDF!

We'll cover:
• SDF's programs and impact
• Expectations and qualifications for handler candidates
• Training, deployment, and time commitment requirements
• What to expect as an applicant
• An overview of the handler selection process

All prospective US&R canine handlers, canine coordinators, program managers and teammates attached to a state and/or federal task force are welcome to attend. This session is designed to help prospective US&R handler candidates, both new and veteran, live-find and HRD, determine whether becoming an SDF handler is the right fit and provide an opportunity to ask questions before applying.

Thinking about your next disaster search dog? Head to our event pages (linked below) to reserve your spot! 🐾

September 1: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1998442385973?aff=oddtdtcreator
September 10: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1998443930593?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/26/2026

On August 26, 2005, while the Gulf Coast reeled from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Katrina, first responders—two- and four-legged alike—deployed to the scene en masse to aid disaster response efforts. Just one month later, Hurricane Rita made landfall on the coast, causing further destruction and leaving thousands stranded once again. A total of 27 SDF-trained search teams joined the rescue efforts in the aftermath of both storms, searching hundreds of square miles of destroyed homes and businesses to help find survivors stranded amid the massive flooding in the region. Today, we remember all those whose lives were forever changed by these devastating storms, and we thank the many first responders who answered the call when it mattered most. ❤️

08/25/2026

Finding a high-drive shelter dog is only the first step. The real magic happens when that boundless energy meets world-class training and the right partner. 🤝❤️

At our National Training Center, we channel that relentless energy into lifesaving skills. But we don't do it alone. It takes an entire community—SDF trainers, staff, volunteers, and dedicated first-responder handlers—to turn a talented dog into a potential disaster-search hero. 🐕‍🦺⛑️

When these dogs are paired with their firefighter handlers, a life-saving team is formed. They learn to communicate with a single glance, to trust each other implicitly, and to work as one cohesive unit in the most dangerous environments imaginable.

That incredible bond doesn't just change the handler's life. It gives a passed-over shelter dog their ultimate purpose and forever home. They are no longer "too much." They are exactly enough, and just what a community needs in its darkest hour.

Every pairing ceremony, every hour of rubble training, and every successful deployment is fueled by your generosity. Your support provides the time, space, and resources these teams need to show the world they were 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 🌟

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗽 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺—𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

📷 Search Dog Bo, recruited from Taney County Animal Control in Hollister, MO, recently paired with his handler, Rebekah Drews (Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Task Force 2)

08/24/2026

⛑️🐶 Thinking about becoming a US&R canine handler? Or are you a veteran handler starting to look for your next canine partner? If you are a member of a state or federal task force, join the Search Dog Foundation for an online information session to learn about our mission, programs, and the vital role US&R canine handlers play in disaster response!

We'll cover:

• SDF's programs and impact
• Expectations and qualifications for handler candidates
• Training, deployment, and time commitment requirements
• What to expect as an applicant
• An overview of the handler selection process

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗨𝗦&𝗥 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱/𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱. This session is designed to help prospective US&R handler candidates, both new and veteran, live-find and HRD, determine whether becoming an SDF handler is the right fit and provide an opportunity to ask questions before applying.

We have two upcoming sessions:

• September 1 (3:00pm)
• September 10 (9:00am)

Head to the event pages (linked below) to reserve your spot! 🐾

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1998442385973?aff=oddtdtcreator
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1998443930593?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/24/2026

🎤 SDF-trained canine disaster search team Arby Fields and Greta of Los Angeles County Fire Department appeared on FOX 11 Los Angeles last night following their return from Venezuela, where they were deployed for 13 days as members of USA-2. Arby spoke about his experience working with Greta and what it was like to be on the ground searching for survivors in the aftermath of the back-to-back "doublet" earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June.

We're forever grateful for all the rescuers who dedicate their lives to helping others in their times of greatest need, and we continue to keep all those affected by recent earthquake activity in our thoughts. ❤️‍🩹

Arby Fields from Los Angeles County Fire Department's urban search and rescue team is back from Venezuela he and his colleagues provided post-earthquake relief for the survivors. He was also joined by his K-9 partner Greta.

08/13/2026

When firefighter Derek Moree first met the dog who would become his canine partner, his immediate impression was, "WOW! This dog is a handful!"

That exact "handful" of a rescue dog—Search Dog Roma—recently returned from her deployment to Venezuela, where she navigated dangerous rubble piles to search for survivors of the catastrophic earthquakes. 🐾⛑️

Some people hold a misconception that shelter dogs are "damaged goods," but Roma is living proof that they can do absolutely anything. 🌟🐕 Where others see a behavioral problem like sprinting in circles or barking for attention, our recruitment team sees a reservoir of untapped potential. These dogs possess a unique resilience and adaptability that make them capable of mastering the most complex jobs on earth.

The only difference between a shelter dog and a national hero like Roma is opportunity. These brilliant pups don't just deserve to be saved; they deserve a stage to show the world they are 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲.

By supporting SDF, you are investing in the belief that shelter dogs are capable of greatness. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗦𝗗𝗙 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗴𝗼 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀! 🐾



📷 Search Dog Roma, recruited from Southern California Cat Adoption Tails

Los Angeles County Fire Department

08/08/2026

🦴 This week is Give a Dog a Bone Week, and we want to give a shoutout to our friends at Nylabone who have gifted SDF dogs with many bones throughout the years—Nylabones, that is! Nylabone has provided Power Chews to SDF dogs for over a decade, completely free of charge. These toys provide a great enrichment activity for our pups living on campus, which is important for alleviating boredom and stress, and can help them learn healthy, non-destructive chewing habits. They're also super durable, so we know even our most enthusiastic chewers will get lots of enjoyment out of them! ❤️

📷🐶: Search Dog R***r - Los Angeles Fire Department, CA-TF1

08/07/2026

A very happy birthday to Search Dog SID! 🥳🫶 Sid was surrendered by his owner to a shelter in Utah, and from there was fostered by a local trainer. Unfortunately, the trainer's dog didn't get along with Sid, and he found himself back in the shelter once again. Sid was running out of time, and after a few months with no interested adopters, he was scheduled for euthanasia due to space constraints. Thankfully, the Montana Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Rescue saw this and pulled Sid from the shelter, saving his life in the nick of time. 😮‍💨 Luckily for us, the rescue has past experience identifying working dogs, and recognized Sid's search dog potential right away! ✨

Sid was accepted into our search program and dove nose first into his training here, moving quickly through the program with confidence and a clear-headed intensity that's impressive to watch. 🙌 Though he may be all business during training, when he's not working, he's a super social boy who enjoys a romp around the yard with his doggy playgroup pals, and loves to greet and receive cuddles from everyone who walks by! 🥰

In February 2024, Sid graduated and was partnered with first responder Jose Arteaga of San Miguel Fire District, who loves that he now gets to work alongside his canine partner and best friend. 🫶 In November 2024, the pair achieved certification with San Diego Urban Search & Rescue - California Task Force 8 (CA-TF8), enabling them to deploy with their task force when disaster strikes. 💪 We're excited to watch them progress in their career, and know they will work together to tackle any challenge that comes their way! Happy birthday, Sid—we hope your day is full of all the toy time and cuddles you could ask for! 🎂💕

08/06/2026

🚨 Attention all state canine disaster search teams ready to certify! 🚨

IL-TF1, in partnership with SDF and the Village of Romeoville Fire Department, is hosting an open Certification Evaluation (CE)* for live-find and human remains canine disaster search teams in Chicago, Illinois on October 3-4, 2026! Even better? There are no registration fees for this test!

The due date for completed applications is September 14, and this SDF-sponsored event is open to all teams with an affiliation to established organizations. There are also limited Shadow Evaluator spots available to those interested.

Email [email protected] for the official announcement and application!

*Tests are SUSAR sanctioned, as well as EMAC & EMAP compliant. This is not a FEMA Certification Evaluation and teams testing will not qualify for FEMA certification.