First Year CARDA Expenses
These are estimates of typical first-year costs to handlers. As CARDA is 100% volunteer, there will be no reimbursement from the organization for any of these expenses. These expenses include neither the approximately 10 hours a week that you’ll spend with your training group nor the daily obedience training at home.
These expenses assume that this equipment will need to be purchased, if not previously owned. There are varying costs of products, and we have tried to come up with an average pricing structure. Listed at the end of this section is optional equipment that some handlers choose to have, but may not need in the first year.
Estimated Expenses
Fees
| Subtotal | $120 |
| Pre-Apprentice registration fee | $40 |
| Apprentice application fee | $20 |
| Annual dues | $60 |
Car
| Subtotal | $1525 |
| Mileage (about 5,000 at $0.25 a mile) | $1250 |
| Extra car service | $275 |
Required Equipment
Handler Equipment - Day Search Pack
| Subtotal | $2065 |
| Compass | $50 |
| Signal mirror (may be with compass) | |
| Whistle | $10 |
| GPS, handheld mapping | $400 |
| Backpack | $150 |
| Watch | $40 |
| Multipurpose knife | $50 |
| Headlamp | $50 |
| Flashlight with extra bulb | $40 |
| Spare batteries | $20 |
| Candle or fire starter | $10 |
| Matches in a waterproof container | $10 |
| Space blanket or equivalent | $15 |
| High calorie snack food | $20 |
| Food preparation equipment, fuel & utensils | $60 |
| First aid kit | $200 |
| Space blanket or equivalent | $20 |
| Wool or synthetic hat | $20 |
| Sturdy boots (consistent with weather and terrain) | $150 |
| Gaiters | $50 |
| Gloves | $25 |
| Helmet | $60 |
| Rain jacket | $150 |
| Rain pants | $50 |
| Cold weather jacket | $100 |
| Insulating underwear layers | $100 |
| Waterproof bag | $15 |
| ANSI reflective vest | $15 |
| Safety googles/glasses | $20 |
| 2 large leaf bags | $5 |
| Bandana | $5 |
| 2 locking Carabiners | $30 |
| Webbing & Paracord | $30 |
| Duct tape, 5-10 ft. | $5 |
| Chemical light sticks | $15 |
| Insect repellent | $10 |
| Flagging tape | $5 |
| Pencil & pad | $5 |
| Assorted plastic bags | $10 |
| Tissues or toilet paper | $5 |
| 2 quart or liter water bottles | $15 |
| Water purification | $15 |
Dog Equipment
| Subtotal | $180 |
| Collar, leash | $30 |
| Long line | $15 |
| Shabrack | $35 |
| Harness | $20 |
| Booties | $30 |
| Muzzle | $15 |
| Chemical light stick or equivalent | $15 |
| One food ration | $5 |
| Additional water as required | $15 |
Handler Flight Pack / Rescue Backpack
| Subtotal | $822 |
| Sleeping bag (appropriate to conditions) | $200 |
| Insulating pad (appropriate to conditions) | $20 |
| Ground cloth | $5 |
| One man tent or equivalent shelter (bivy bag or tarp) | $200 |
| Stove and fuel | $55 |
| Mess kit | $12 |
| Food for 3 days for handler | $45 |
| Food for 3 days for dog | $5 |
| Dog dish | $15 |
| Extra clothing and socks for weather | $140 |
| Large backpack or duffel bag to hold equipment | $125 |
Grand Total: $4,712
Optional Equipment
Note: Some equipment CARDA considers optional may be required by your local agency, if you work with one.
- Folding shovel
- Seat harness
- 50 feet of 9 mm rope (static)
- Altimeter
- Toiletries
- Camera and film
- Extra eye glasses / sun glasses
- Prescription drugs
- Sam splint or equivalent material
- Insect bite treatment
- Anti-acid
- Anti-diarrheal
- Sunburn cream
- Dog sling
- Bringsel
- Dog medications
- Dog treats
