Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the California Rescue Dog Association?

The California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) is a volunteer search and rescue (SAR) dog unit, on call 24 hours a day to assist law enforcement, emergency response and other official agencies.

How can I join CARDA?

The first requirement is that you be 18 or older to join CARDA. If you are younger, you might consider joining California Explorer Search and Rescue (Cal-ESAR) .We request that you train with us as a trainee on a fairly regular basis for approximately six months. CARDA personnel will be evaluating your physical status, interest, and commitment, your dog's temperament and progress in training. During this time you will have an opportunity to work with CARDA handlers and get to know them. They will be helping in the initial training of you and your dog as a search team. After this initial trainee period you may apply for apprentice membership. To become an apprentice, you will need to be sponsored by two active mission ready handlers, who will accept the responsibility of helping you become a mission ready team. As a trainee you will be covered by workers' compensation insurance only during official CARDA training.

What kind of dog can I train for SAR?

We have found that many breeds of dogs are capable of doing SAR work, although most are from the working, herding, sporting, or hound groups. Dogs at the extreme ends of the size range, i.e., very small or very large, are probably not well suited for this work. The dog does not have to be a pure bred dog. One advantage of a pedigreed dog, however, is being able to look at the parents temperament and working ability.

Do I have to start with a puppy?

No. You may train an older dog for SAR, however, one of the advantages of training a puppy is that it will most likely have a longer working career.

How long will the training take?

You should count on 1 1/2 to 2 years to train your dog and gain the skills you both need to become Mission Ready.

What skills will I need to learn?

You must have a current CPR and American Red Cross Emergency Response card. You have to become proficient in use of map and compass and radio communications. You must learn wilderness survival skills and search and rescue theory. You must also learn man tracking and helicopter safety.

What must I train my dog to do?

The training your dog receives will be somewhat dependent on whether it specializes as an area search dog or a trailing dog, but all dogs must be well socialized and obedience trained. They also need agility training so they can safely negotiate obstacles in the wilderness and disaster rubble. The dog must be able to swim.

How do I get this training?

We can help you train your dog and will provide some of the skills training that you will need, but some of the training you must get on your own. Red Cross has training for CPR and Emergency Response. The Sierra Club has a very good basic mountaineering course. Many backpacking stores and community colleges offer courses in map, compass and backpacking.

Is this time consuming?

Yes. Expect to train 2-3 times a week when you are starting out in your local group. The state is divided into three sections for unit training, CARDA North meets the third or fourth weekend of the month, CARDA Central meets the second weekend of the month and CARDA South meets the first weekend of the month. When you and your dog are certified Mission Ready you will still be training on a regular basis and, in addition, can expect phone calls in the middle of the night to call you out on searches.

What is Mission Ready certification?

The Trailing Dog Team Mission Ready Test, is 1 to 1 1/2 miles long, 12 - 15 hours old, and the dog must find the person in four hours. The teams must recertify yearly. To become a Mission Ready Area Air Scent Team the team must first pass a Preliminary Evaluation which is a 40 acre test. The dog must find one, well hidden person in two hours. The Mission Ready Test is 160 acres, the dog must find two lost people in four hours.. The teams may also become certified in Avalanche, Evidence, Cadaver, Water Search, and Disaster.

Is this expensive?

It can be expensive. We are all volunteer. We buy our own uniforms and equipment and pay for our gas. Travel to and from training and searches can run over 10,000 miles a year. If you do not have backpacking equipment you will need to purchase this equipment before you are mission ready. The range is from $500 to $1500 in the first two years. When mission ready we are expected to respond to a search equipped to be self-sufficient in the field for 3 days. Here is a conservative, estimated list of expenses for the first year.