Your Journey Begins Here

Passion & Dedication

Introduction

All new canine handlers must begin at the Trainee I level.
Training focuses on three main profiles: Wilderness/Urban Live Find or Human Remains Detection and Tracking.
Additional profiles such as Disaster, or Water Search can be added after achieving Active Accreditation.

Requirements

Submit a completed SARDOA application and interview questionnaire, along with the membership fee.
- ADMIN FEE: $100 + $150 General Membership
New members must complete all 3 online prerequisite courses found here. (Must be a site member to view courses)
New prospective K9 Handlers must pass an aptitude evaluation of their canine.
Authorize a criminal background check.
Participate in an interview with a SARDOA Preceptor.
Complete the PERSONAL HANDBOOK in the necessary timeframe.

Membership Benefits

Upon approval, members receive:
- Confirmation letter with a tax-deductible receipt.
- Membership card, SARDOA T-shirt, decals, and an in-training canine vest* (after probation). * if required.
- SARDOA Training Standards manual, SOPs, and Candidate Process Information.

Training & Evaluation

New members meet with their preceptor to review probation requirements and are introduced to essential tools like the Personnel Handbook, D4H system, and logbooks.
Within the first month, members meet their trainers to discuss progress tracking.
A preceptor is assigned, and a 6-month probationary period begins. Insufficient progress in the first three months may result in membership termination. No refund will be issued.
Regular training attendance is required, along with participation in SARDOA-organized courses.

**Note: Once a team passes the SARDOA evaluation, they MUST continue on to get certified by a third party evaluator in order to be deployed.

Probation and Advancement

After a minimum of 6 months of training, and once canines are at least one year old, members must undergo a Trainee II Evaluation.
To progress to Trainee II membership, members must:
- Pass the 6-month Probationary Review.
- Pass the Supporting Associate Evaluation.
- Receive recommendations from the Training Director and co-Trainer.

Record Keeping

Members are encouraged to maintain hard-copy training logs, though electronic logs are also accepted if printed.
Training logs must be submitted monthly for review and kept updated in the D4H database.

This summary outlines the key steps and expectations for new members starting as Supporting Associates within SARDOA.