How You Can Help

Donate!

MinnSARDA is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our volunteer members are responsible for all expenses incurred including training, certifications, travel and equipment. A donation in any amount will help offset those costs.
100% of your tax-deductible donation will support our K9/Handler Teams.

 

Send a Check to:
120 Broadway Avenue S. Wayzata, MN 55391

Be a Hider!

 

Trailing Belgian Malinois on a search

If you are interested in being a hider, email us at minnsardak9@gmail.com, or contact us via Facebook Messenger. We can provide you with the exact training location for a specific date and answer any questions you may have.

 

Our dogs would love to find you! We are often in need of strangers to “get lost” for our K9 Teams. If you’re interested:

  • We train most Saturdays year-round at various locations throughout the Twin Cities Metro area. Normal start time is 9am and training usually runs until early to mid-afternoon

  • Hiders:

  • Training locations are outdoors. You MUST be dressed for the weather conditions and wear shoes you can walk in

  • Should be able to walk a minimum of ½ mile. Terrain will vary.

  • Should be prepared to wait at the end of the trail for anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours (weather permitting). Bring something to do, water and a snack.

  • Must be at least 16 or accompanied by a parent

  • Must be able and willing to follow the instructions given by the unit member

BECOME A HANDLER OR SUPPORT PERSON

We currently have openings for 1-2 additional K9 Teams. Being a Handler is a huge time commitment and does require some financial outlay. 

Field eligible MinnSARDA team members are required to:

  • Pass a criminal background check

  • Be 1st Aid/CPR certified

  • Be NASAR SAR Tech II certified

  • Pass NIMS (National Incident Management Systems) exams

  • Dogs must be AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certified

  • K9/Handler teams must re-certify annually with a recognized outside organization

If you are interested in learning more, we are available through email at minnsardak9@gmail.com, or via Facebook messenger. We look forward to hearing from you!

Recommended reading:

  • Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search and Rescue Dog by Suzanna Charleson

  • K-9 Teams: Beyond the Basics of Search and Rescue and Recovery by Vi Hummel Shaffer

  • Ready! A Step by Step for Training the Search and Rescue Dog by Susan Bulanda

 

Please consider carefully whether you are:

  • Willing to give up most Saturdays for unit training. (We require 75% attendance at weekly trainings)

  • Generally available to respond to callouts (middle of the night, during the workday, a long distance from where you live or work…)

  • Physically able to be out in the field following your dog (or someone else’s) for several hours at a time through all types of terrain

  • Ok with getting cold, wet, sweaty, dirty and bitten by various insects

  • Understanding of the fact that it usually takes 1½ to 2 years for a K9/Handler Team to be ready to certify. Many dogs end up not being suitable for SAR work – even after months of training

If you already have a dog that you are interested in using for SAR, we require that dogs be:

  • Under 18 months of age

  • Stable temperament – not nervous or shy. Aggression toward humans or other dogs is not acceptable

  • Not previously used for hunting animals

  • Physically able to be out in the field for several hours at a time through all types of terrain

  • Able to withstand Minnesota’s varying weather and geography

  • Up-to-date on vaccinations at all times