Family Search and REscue

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to have a certain type of dog?
A: No, but some dogs are better suited for search and rescue than others. Dogs with a longer snout have a better sense of smell, and therefore do a better job of tracking a victim. There are common breeds in the SAR circles such as Dobermans, German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers.

---

Q: How old does my puppy have to be?
A: Puppies need to be at least 4 months old so that they have had their full set of shots.

---

Q: What equipment do I need?
A: Equipment can be gathered over time to spread the cost. Required equipment for certification can be found on the familydobes website under the K9 SAR link.

---

Q: How long does it usually take to certify?
A: Average time to certify is between 1 to 2 years depending on your time and dedication. Some could go longer and some could go faster.

---

Q: How much does it cost to join?
A: Because we are a club, we require club dues every quarter. After you have met required prerequisites, dues will be discussed.

Additional Resources