Steps to Becoming an Member of ASARD

Thank you for your interest in training and working with Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs (ASARD). The following information describes the steps it takes to become a search team with ASARD.

If you have any questions, or have an interest in becoming a part of ASARD, please feel free to email us at asard@gci.net and one of our members will get back to you.

I. The first step in becoming a search team with ASARD is your initial interest, and participation in at least 2 general meetings (usually held in Anchorage the first Monday evening of each month) and 6 training sessions.

II. The second step is applying to become a Support Member with ASARD. This period provides the team a better understanding of the requirements and commitment needed to become a search and rescue dog team. It also allows ASARD members a chance to work with and get to know the dog/handler team. (Membership Application)

• The Support Member receives the privilege to use the ASARD Message Line to get information on training locations and times.
• The Support Member is allowed use of the ASARD library.
• After a minimum of 2 - 6 months a dog/handler team may apply for Training Membership.

Requirements for dog/handler teams applying for Support Membership:

1. Handler's minimum age of 18 years.
2. Dog's minimum age of 4 months.
3. Completed application and statement of purpose.
4. Veterinary certification of vaccines.
5. $50.00 dues, which includes the costs of:
• NASAR (National Search and Rescue Association) manual
• ASARD manual

Support Members are required to attend at least 50% of the general meetings and at least 50% of training sessions (subject to number of training sessions held).

The handler is expected to complete the following requirements in preparation for certification and testing:

1. Obtain Wilderness First Aid certification or equivalent.
2. Obtain current CPR card.
3. Map and compass orientation.
4. Outdoor survival skills.
5. Prepare for a written test on search strategy.
6. Demonstrate physical fitness and endurance needed for the rigors long term search and rescue work.

The dog must:

1. Demonstrate sound temperament.
2. Show no aggressiveness towards people or other dogs.
3. Demonstrate good physical fitness and endurance.
4. Demonstrate C.D. (Companion Dog) level obedience. Testing includes:
• heeling off lead, including a figure 8
• non-verbal off-lead recall up to 50 feet
• 1 minute off-lead sit stay
• 3 minute off-lead down stay
• "leave it" command

III. The third step is to apply for Training Membership. The support team may apply for training membership upon successful completion of the Support membership period and requirements. This application is reviewed by the ASARD Board.

During this period the training team is training and preparing for certification to become an operational search team. The training requirements are set forth in the Standards and Evaluation Procedures, Section 300, of the ASARD by-laws, included in the ASARD manual.

The training membership is a probationary period of up to eighteen (18) months.

IV. The fourth step is the Mission Ready Evaluation to become an Operational Search Team.

V. The fifth step is the Mission Ready Evaluation, Level 2, to become an Advanced Operational Search Team.