It takes a very special dog and handler to become an SDF-trained disaster search team and enter the ranks of the most highly trained teams in the nation. We have listed below the basic questions we ask people interested in becoming handlers. In order to start the process of becoming an SDF handler, we need a "YES" to all of these questions. (If you do not fit within this profile, please let us know if you'd like to support SDF in other ways by contacting us at rescue@ndsdf.org.)

1. ARE YOU A FIREFIGHTER, POLICE OFFICER OR OTHER FIRST-RESPONDER, OR A CIVILIAN WITH A FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE?  

Our program is primarily designed for firefighters and other first-responders.

2. IS THERE A GROUP OF OTHER FIRST-RESPONDERS IN YOUR AREA INTERESTED IN BECOMING SDF CANINE DISASTER SEARCH TeamS?

We’ve found that selecting at least six handlers from 12 or more candidates in one geographic area is the best way to ensure a successful SDF Training Group.

3. IF YOU ARE A FIRST-RESPONDER, IS YOUR DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY AWARE OF AND SUPPORTIVE OF WHAT YOU WANT TO DO?

It is essential that your department supports your interest in becoming an SDF handler.

4. ARE YOU WILLING TO ACCEPT THE DOG WE ASSIGN?

We do not train your own dog for you. Rather, we partner each handler with a professionally trained SDF dog. (You are welcome to keep the dogs already in your household.)

5. WILL YOU BE ABLE TO KEEP THE DOG WITH YOU AT WORK?

The dog becomes part of the handler's daily life-at home and on the job.

6. ARE YOU PHYSICALLY FIT AND MENTALLY PREPARED TO MAKE A LONG-TERM, SERIOUS COMMITMENT TO THIS PROGRAM?

You should be able to:

• Traverse all kinds of rubble, with all kinds of footing, in all kinds of weather
• Work on the rubble with your dog for sustained twelve-hour shifts
• Carry deployment gear: your own (60 pounds) and your dog's (30 pounds).

Handlers make a long-term commitment to caring for their search dog and to a regular training regimen that continues throughout the working life of the dog. You'll need to be a team player, emotionally stable and confident, and have the tenacity it takes to overcome frustrations and challenges.

7. ARE YOU WTHIN A TWO HOUR RESPONSE TIME OF A FEMA TASK FORCE?

You must be able to get to the FEMA Task Forces point of departure within two hours of a call; regionals even less. A list of FEMA task force locations (and some additional FEMA information) can be located at http://www.fema.gov/emergency/usr/locations.shtm