kathryn stewart, handler





"For me, becoming a K9 handler in search and rescue has become a passion far beyond the typical volunteer commitment. It drives me to be the best I can be as both a K9 handler, a searcher and a person. I have found the journey challenging, frustrating and yet, amazing. I meet and work with dedicated professionals and professional volunteers whose goal is to help others. I have become a much better dog handler and, sure it is hard out there, but I get to hike all over California with my K9 partner. Really, what could be better?"



the search and rescue motto





Without regard for my personal comfort of self-advancement, to the best of my ability and to the limitations of my physical and psychological endurance, I solemnly pledge to make every effort to return to safety, those victims of disaster entrusted to my care by the assignment of the mission to which I have consented. These things I shall do:


That others may live…



the process - we welcome your inquiry

Contact us through this website to learn more



This is a general overview of what to expect, and what is expected of a prospective handler.
There are NO GUARANTEES that a person or his/her dog will meet the requirements to be a WOOF handler.
All volunteers serve "At Will" to the State of California Office of Emergency Services.



1.



Contact us



Your message to us should include a brief statement about who you are, where you live (city, state), whether or not you have a dog already, any dog training background, backcountry skills, or other information you think we ought to know that pertains to your interest in SAR. We will communicate with you on the next step, which is to attend an orientation, so you can see what you might really be getting yourself into.


Contact us

2.



come to a training



After we are in contact, you may be invited to attend a training. These orientations are held 2-3 times per calendar year and are your first opportunity to meet us and learn more about the demands of search and rescue with a prospective canine.



3.



Bring your dog for evaluation



When a prospective volunteer is invited to bring his/her dog in accordance with our policies you will need: a letter from your licensed veterinarian speaking to the dog's physical health and current vaccinations. We use a standardized test to evaluate the aptitude of dogs for work. If your dog tests within the range for a working candidate, we may move forward. If your dog does not score within the working aptitude range, we will not work with your dog. If your dog is not a working prospect you will need to find another candidate dog and we may be able to help you with that, if you want to continue in the program.



4.



Training towards certification



When a handler and his/her dog are a good fit, have the time, resources, and enthusiasm to continue in the program then the handler must take and pass a background check, complete paperwork, and begin the training program. Training is conducted weekly, and requires traveling to work with handlers over a wide geographic range. Candidate handlers have a lot to learn about search and rescue, dog training, documentation, search strategy, olfaction and scent theory, working with a chain of command structure, and teamwork. There are numerous evaluations and skills tests to complete along the way: fitness, incident command system classes, first aid and CPR, among others. Expect to take as much as 2 years before being ready to take a certification test. This is a long endeavor that will demand your full attention and time.



4.



once certified



WOOF handlers train and test to the California Office of Emergency Services Guidelines for Mutual Aid Canine Teams. The button below will take you the page listing of those guidelines. Once a team has passed their pre-requisites and their certification test, they are eligible to respond to official search requests within their discipline. First time handlers certify in area search or trailing. Then they can train and certify in avalanche or water search. First time handlers are not eligible for human remains detection. Handlers in Nevada may certify to Nevada POST, which exceeds the CalOES guidelines.

Nevada POST Guidelines CalOES SAR Guidelines



located in california, serving the western united states and beyond