National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

10/22/2026

Happiest of birthdays to Search Dog STORM! 😍✨ Storm came to SDF from the Indiana K9 Learning Center, where he was already showing promise as a working dog. He was nearly placed with a detection agency, but due to his high energy and strong toy drive, they thought he might be an even better fit for disaster search. 🔍 Storm's previous owner was familiar with our mission and agreed that with SDF, Storm had an opportunity to reach his true potential! 🙌

During his time living and training at the NTC, this gorgeous red Golden Retriever made a name for himself both on and off the rubble. He impressed trainers with his innate talent and skill while on the job, and charmed staff with his sweet personality in his off-time. 💕

In August 2020, Storm graduated and was paired with veteran handler Andrew Pitcher, and together the team achieved certification with Nebraska Task Force One. ⛑️ They put their skills to the test in September 2022, when Storm and Andrew deployed to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, ready to aid citizens in any way they could. From the start, this incredible team has exemplified the human-canine bond that makes these search teams so very special, and we're proud that Storm gets to continue a legacy of successful search dogs with Andrew. ❤️ Happy birthday Storm, we hope you're having the best day ever! 🎂💓

10/16/2026

A very happy birthday to Search Dog DEACON! 🥳🎂 Deacon was donated to SDF as a young dog, and once he was old enough to join our program, he was introduced to search training and took to it right away! His trainers were awed by his enthusiasm, focus, and drive while working, and loved his easygoing side when he was off the clock. Watching him traverse a rubble pile is truly a sight to see, and has been known to solicit an audible, "Wow!" from those who have the opportunity to watch him search! 😍

In September 2017, Deacon was partnered with firefighter/paramedic Mike Toepfer of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and together they achieved certification with La County Fire Search Dogs, INC. (CA-TF2), enabling them to deploy globally with their task force when disasters strike. ⛑️ In February 2023, Deacon and Mike deployed to Türkiye as members of USA-2 in the wake of the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck the region, offering hope and aid to those affected. In October 2024, the team headed to Florida, where they assisted rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. They answered the call once again in October of last year, when they deployed to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.❤️ Wishing the very best for this hero dog on his birthday today! 🥰💕

10/15/2026

⛑️ Disaster response begins long before a deployment, and there are many prerequisites that must be met before a team can go out the door. Achieving certification is one such major milestone, as this crucial requirement officially qualifies these teams to deploy with their respective task forces when disaster strikes.

SDF was thrilled to partner with MABAS-Illinois to host a Certification Evaluation last weekend in Romeoville, Illinois, where 19 teams from throughout North America were evaluated, including SDF-trained team Jarod Freeman & Uly who certified for the first time! Following certification, these teams will continue training to strengthen their skills and maintain deployment-readiness, and when the call comes, we know these teams will be prepared for anything that may come their way. 💪

Thanks to you—our incredible SDF community—this SDF-sponsored Certification Evaluation was offered at no cost to handlers. Making testing more accessible is just one way SDF shows our commitment to strengthening disaster response, and we're incredibly thankful to be able to support search teams in this way!

Congratulations to all the teams from Alabama, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Washington, and Vermont that tested and achieved certification last weekend. We commend these teams for the hard work they put into reaching this milestone, and we sincerely thank our SDF community, whose support fuels our mission and truly makes all of this possible! ❤️

AL-TF1
AL-TF1 K9 Team
Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System
Minnesota Task Force 1
Boone County Fire Protection District
Northwest Disaster Search Dogs
OK-TF1-Tulsa
Oklahoma Task Force 1 Search K9s
Oklahoma City Fire Department
VT USAR TF1

📷 Photo credit: Wise K9 Photography

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

Congratulations to all the search teams who achieved certification last weekend in Romeoville, IL! Participants at this Certification Evaluation—hosted by by MABAS-Illinois in partnership with SDF—included SDF-trained Oklahoma Task Force 1 Search K9s OK-TF1-Tulsa team Jarod Freeman and Uly of the Oklahoma City Fire Department, who certified for the first time!

This certification enables search teams to deploy with their task forces when disaster strikes, and we couldn't be more proud of the hard work all of the teams that certified have put into reaching this milestone. Please join us in giving a round of applause to this hardworking team! 👏

Meet all of the SDF-trained teams that have certified so far in 2026: https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/2026-certifications/

📷 Photo credit: Wise K9 Photography

10/10/2026

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF)-trained canine teams Jeremy DeMott & Chirp and Trinity Maurer & Goldie have deployed with their teammates on Virginia Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue Team (VA-TF2) in response to Tropical Storm Isaias.

After bringing high winds, heavy surge, and severe moisture to the Gulf Coast, Isaias is pushing inland, triggering widespread flash flooding, power outages, and structural damage.

Jeremy, Chirp, Trinity, and Goldie are en route to the Western North Carolina/Eastern Tennessee border. From there, they will support local search and rescue efforts, navigating rugged, flooded terrain to make sure no one is left behind. 🐾❤️

Please join us in keeping all affected communities, our deployed handlers and canines, and all first responders in your thoughts. Stay tuned for updates as this mission unfolds! ❤️

https://www.searchdogfoundation.org/tropical-storm-isaias

09/25/2026

Roma spent the first two years of her life waiting for a chance. Today, she's proving what's possible when shelter dogs are given the opportunity to shine. 🙌

Roma received the Pet Hero Award at Helen Woodward Animal Center's annual Remember Me Thursday event, which promotes pet adoption and shines a spotlight on extraordinary rescue animals like Roma. She and her handler, Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighter Derek Moree, were trained and partnered by SDF in 2022, and are being honored in recognition of their work together, including a recent deployment to Venezuela where they assisted rescue efforts in the wake of the devastating doublet earthquakes that struck the region in June.

Thank you, The Dodo, for sharing Roma's incredible journey from rescued to rescuer and the life-changing impact of rescue dogs. ❤️

She's so incredible.