Search Dog Handler Volunteer

Search Dogs are an amazing Search and Rescue asset. As part of a Search Dog team handlers utilise their dogs enhanced sense of smell to locate the missing persons scent, either through tracking or air scenting.

Search Dog Handlers are part of their local Land Search and Rescue group and attend training like all field members. However, on top of their normal Search and Rescue commitments, handlers put in many hours a week to keep their dog progressing through the training pathway or maintain operational status.

Search Dog Handlers often work within a Land Search and Rescue field team, therefore their requirements and fitness levels are the same as a field team member, although the dog handler should be of such a skill level they are competent by themselves in the bush and equipped to stay overnight.

Commitment and Training

Training a search dog is a 2–3 year process, and a big commitment for everyone who undertakes this journey. If you are already a Land Search and Rescue field team member it is important to contact New Zealand Land Search and Rescue dogs before purchasing a dog, as your training as a handler starts before your puppies.

Once operational all dog teams are reassessed annually by both New Zealand Land Search and Rescue dogs Assessors and NZ Police Dog Assessors.

There are 4 national training camps (2 per island) and two national assessment camps (1 per island) held annually. There are also targeted training camps held regionally throughout the country.