How do I get involved in K-9 Search and Rescue?

Question

I am 6 months from completing my ***. Degree in Criminal Justice living outside of Flint, MI. I would really like to get involved with a K-9 Search and Rescue Organization, but is it possible to make a living doing this (without being a police officer). I love helping people, would enjoy a career in this field, but everything I have found online is about volunteer Organizations. How do these people pay their bills? Are they all retired? I would really appreciate some help. I have no problem acquiring my own dog to train and I love traveling I just don't know how I get started (please dont just say "get a dog") Thank you!

Answer 1

General Inquiries

Phone:  [phone]

Phone:  [phone]

E-Mail:  [e-mail]





Business Address

K-9 ONE Search and Rescue

2425 Wisconsin Avenue

Flint, Michigan  48506





Missing Persons Response Team



WELCOME



Thank you for visiting the K-9 ONE website.



Formerly Third Coast Canine Search and Rescue, we recently changed our name to one that we hope is more easily recognizable and is more in line with our mission.



We are a volunteer organization of specially trained canine handlers dedicated to search and rescue work.  Our members average 7 years of active experience in air scent, human remains detection, disaster and trailing.



Since 1990 our members have been assisting law enforcement in searching for lost children, Alzheimer's patients, hunters, hikers, despondent people and drowning victims.  Addtionally, we have assisted in criminal; cases, locating and identifying human trace evidence.



Our Missing Persons Response Teams are available at no charge 24 hours a day, seven days a week



. . .  that others may live



For Dispatch of K-9 Services:

989-405-0001



Time and Money Commitment



The time commitment is extensive.

Search and Rescue is a serious service with which there is a sound expectation of professionalism, commitment and conscience.



K-9 ONE generally trains as a group one night each week and members participate in a drill one full Saturday a month.  You should plan on an additional 4 to 10 hours each week, training on your own and meeting informally with other members of the unit.  Training takes place year round regardless of weather and we rotate training locations across the state.  In addition, most members attend at least one out of state seminar each year.  Even after you and your dog are mission ready, the training never stops and you are required to attend 75% of all formal sessions.



Callouts for actual searches tend to occur at inconvenient times and often in the middle of the night.  Searches  typically occur in some very remote areas of the Great Lakes region.  K-9 ONE teams are on call all day and night every day of the year and members, with few exceptions, are expected to respond..  



The time commitment required of K-9 ONE members is not strictly devoted to training and searching, Members must also participate in public awareness events and assist in the day to day operations.  This level of commitment effects your family, friends and career. Therefore, it is necessary to have the support of your family and at least an understanding by your employer to undertake this endeavor.



Because we are a volunteer organization, you must pay all of your own expenses, including training costs, equipment, transportation and lodging where needed. Costs to the member can run up to a couple of thousand dollars each year.  The good news is, because this is a 501c3 organization, many of your expenses may be tax deductible (please consult your tax advisor to determine how this applies to you).There is never any charge for our volunteer service.