Disaster Search Dog Foundation

After the bombing in 1995 in Oklahoma City, this foundation was organized. Before the bombing there were only 15 Advanced Certified Disaster Search dog handler teams in the United States. Today there are over one hundred active teams.

Paramount to a successful team are the right dog, the right handler and professional training for both. The United States recognizes the need to be prepared for a wide variety of disasters. Most states are developing urban search and rescue capabilities.

Some dogs are from rescue groups and shelters from around the country. As soon as a dog is identified as a potential disaster search dog, it is placed with a valued family in a Prep Home. These are young dogs between the ages of 9 and 18 months. They stay in the home from 2 to 12 months, depending on their age and readiness. They are exposed to socialization, house manners, early exposure to disaster equipment and rubble.

What makes these dogs different? A constant routine, strict diet, and an exercise program are all required in their daily schedule. These dogs spend almost 24 hours a day with their handler, at home, on the job, on vacation, wherever the handler needs to be. They are trained to focus on one scent, live humans buried under rubble, among other things. These dogs are the only dogs in public service that need certification by the United States Government to do their job. This is due to the extremely high level of training required in disaster search operations. This is a program that has become an important one to disaster relief all around the world. These animals are extremely athletic, sound, strong, socialized, and in excellent health.