Tom (2011 – 2026)

  SDF used Facebook to network through a Fresno Lab Rescue to connect to this young Yellow Labrador, originally named “Reacher.” He had been picked up as a stray and placed in a kill shelter in Los Banos, CA called Los Banos Volunteers for Animals. After being identified as a high-energy, toy-driven …

SDF Teams Transition from Texas Flood Response to Stage Ahead of Tropical Storm Bertha

Following several days of assisting with flood response efforts in Texas, SDF-trained canine teams Adam Schaaf & Dodger and Steve MacDonald & Molly (Nebraska Task Force 1) have repositioned to stage ahead of incoming Tropical Storm Bertha. Tropical Storm Bertha continues to strengthen in the Gulf as it tracks toward the northern Gulf Coast. The storm is …

Two SDF-Trained Search Teams Mobilized to Assist in Catastrophic Texas Flash Flooding Response

Two canine disaster search teams trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation have been deployed to Texas to assist with life-saving rescue operations following catastrophic flash flooding across the region.   SDF-trained search teams Steve MacDonald & Molly and Adam Schaaf & Dodger have mobilized alongside their teammates from Nebraska Task …

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) deployed as USA-2 alongside other international urban search and rescue teams to assist in locating survivors who may be trapped beneath rubble:  …

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 …