Our K9 team is relatively young and diverse.  We all come from very different backgrounds but have one thing in common: we are committed to becoming a valuable resource to SCVSAR in locating lost persons. The most effective place for a K9 team is as an integrated part of an Incident-Command-System run SAR operation that makes full use of many different resources.  A good K9 team can be a very valuable asset to a SAR operation.  Our philosophy is that you are first a member of search and rescue and, secondarily, as a specialty resource and K9 team handler.

Most of us have some dog handling experience and an “outdoor” or “mountaineering” background.  Airscent K9 teams in our geographic area will often be searching in thick brush, blackberries, nettles, devils club, over downed and rotting logs in old clear-cuts, and through wet, swampy terrain without the benefit of trails, or in very steep terrain.  Knowing where you are using map and compass (GPS technology is considered a secondary tool) is critical to not becoming a victim yourself. 

As a member of the K9 team, you are expected to maintain an approximately 35-40 pound pack in ‘mission-ready’ status, carry a pager,  and make an effort to participate when there are mission ‘call-outs’ (though we do understand that you may have limitations due to work and family obligations).  You commonly receive a ‘call-out’ page toward the end of your busy weekend.  Searches frequently are conducted throughout the night, often in rainy conditions.  Of course, you might also have the occasional “sunny-day” search!