Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association Inc

Each VSRDA volunteer absorbs the costs of the dog, the cost and time for training and the time lost from work when searching. Donations primarily sponsor training events, gear (like radios) and a canine medical fund.

Skilled Volunteer dog teams have a very special role in the world of search and rescue (SAR). The proper use of search dogs in search problems can drastically reduce the number of personnel and hours required on a search and increase the probability of detection of the missing subject.

A trained dog uses extremely sensitive hearing, night vision, endurance, and keen sense of smell to continually prove to be invaluable in the effort to locate missing persons. Because of their extraordinary abilities, dogs are often able to reduce the search time and thereby increasing the chances that the person will be found alive.

Each Volunteer handler is certified in Advanced First Aid or as an Emergency Medical Technician. Handlers are also required to qualify in areas such as; land navigation, wilderness survival, search strategy and tactics, missing person behavior, and terrain analysis.

Each dog works towards certification in various wilderness conditions. Dogs are also required to pass obedience and agility tests in addition to all their search and rescue training.