Six SDF-Trained Search Teams Deploy in Aftermath of Venezuela Earthquakes

  In the wake of the devastating pair of earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela, six SDF-trained teams from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (California Task Force 2) have deployed as USA-2 alongside other international urban search and rescue teams to assist in locating survivors who may be trapped beneath …

Congratulations to the canine disaster search teams that have achieved certification so far in 2026!

So far, in 2026, 31 SDF-trained teams achieved certification, allowing them to deploy with their task forces when called upon to help those in need.   Congratulations to the following teams who achieved certification together for the first time: Laura Cardin & Jet (California Task Force 2) Laura Denison & …

SDF-Trained Teams Respond to Lancaster Commercial Fire

  On Tuesday morning at approximately 12:30 AM, a second-alarm commercial building fire broke out in Lancaster, California. Following the initial emergency response, Human Remains Detection (HRD) canine teams were called to the scene to assist local officials with recovery efforts. SDF-trained teams Nick Bartel & Six and Jonathan Munguia & Clifford of the Los Angeles County Fire Department deployed to the site …

Canine Healthcare Grant Helps Keep K9 India Focused on Vital Detection Career  

A year ago, India was sitting in a Florida shelter awaiting adoption when Amy Couts, an experienced canine handler and trainer, agreed to foster the young Belgian Malinois. Amy is the founder of 421 K9 Search and Rescue, Inc., a nonprofit where she volunteers for search and rescue operations with …

Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Recognizing the Signs and Celebrating Our Fighters

May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on a challenging subject while celebrating the remarkable strides being made in veterinary medicine. For those of us who share our lives with dogs, this month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and …

Search Dog Foundation named one of the 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For

We’re proud to announce that the Search Dog Foundation has once again been recognized as one of the 2026 Best Nonprofits to Work For! This honor is awarded by The NonProfit Times, a leading national publication for nonprofit professionals, in collaboration with Workforce Research Group. Each year, the program celebrates …

SDF-Trained Search Team Responds to Wide Area Search in San Francisco

  On May 5, 2026, SDF-Trained Team Max and Samantha Mar of the San Francisco Fire Department, California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3) were called into action to support a wide area search in San Francisco.  The San Francisco Fire Department and local police responded to a vehicle crash where it was feared the driver had been ejected from …

Cole (2012 – 2026)

  Originally named “Bouncer,” this handsome Black Labrador was recruited from El Dorado County Animal Services in Placerville, CA. Upon being contacted about Bouncer’s potential, SDF staff called on long-time supporter and volunteer Penny Woodruff, who lived in that area, to help with his evaluation. Penny reported back that “he did well …

Keila (2013 – 2026)

  In 2015, SDF Canine Recruiter Kirsten Fulk was visiting shelters in her native Oregon to seek out homeless dogs that might have a future as urban disaster search dogs and hit the jackpot when she stopped at Brightside Animal Shelter in Redmond, OR. Kirsten explained, “The behaviorist at Brightside …