National Search Dog Alliance
1302 Waugh Drive, Suite #121
Houston, Texas 77019

National Search Dog Alliance

National Search Dog Alliance (NSDA) is a SAR Dog group that started in March 2007.  The Alliance’s aim is to become an exemplary group representing the interests of search and rescue dog handlers.
"There is a vast community of dog handlers who want an organization which is solely dedicated to issues facing dog handlers”.  Canine handlers have needs that are not being met by other organizations.  NSDA wants to provide programs designed and developed by the dog handler, for the dog handler.  Thus the Alliance has been reaching out to handlers to get their feedback on issues since this organization was developed with them in mind.
NSDA believes that, only through communication, can programs be designed that meet the needs of the members.  Communication allows for quick feedback and the ability to take needed actions.
From the start, this group has been committed to working with the premier dog handlers in the country to draw from their extensive experience.  As Policy and Procedures, Standards and Programs are being developed, insight and input is being obtained from these handlers in an effort to provide the best canine product for NSDA members and the canine community as a whole. 

NSDA believes that quality standards reflect well on an organization as well as those who are certified by them.  Since it is recognized that NIMS will play a major roll in the future of search and rescue, NSDA standards will meet or exceed NIMS as programs are developed and NIMS Guidelines become known.

The National Search Dog Alliance has confidence that it can provide quality education, pre-eminent certifications and an effective voice in the future of search and rescue canines.

NSDA Mission Statement

The National Search Dog Alliance is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to provide education, certifications and a voice in the future of search and rescue canines.

The organization supports the efforts of all search and rescue personnel as they enhance their knowledge and capabilities in the field of search and rescue canines.

NSDA Provides the Following to the Search & Rescue K-9 Community:

CERTIFICATION TESTING is offered in Area, Avalanche, Land Human Remains Detection, Water Human Remains Detection and Trailing. Testing is done by nationally certified Evaluators trained to the highest standards in the field.

• AREA: The NSDA Area Search Team Field Qualification Test assesses the ability of an area search canine team (handler and canine) to locate hidden subjects in a large area within a prescribed time period, the ability of the handler to correctly read the behavior of the canine, the ability of the canine to show a trained, recognizable change in behavior when it detects a person, and the ability of the handler to formulate and execute a search plan.
• AVALANCHE: The objective of the NSDA Avalanche test is to simulate a real world K-9 incident with the human contamination one might expect to find when responding to an avalanche The dog and handler team will be evaluated on their abilities to perform as an effective avalanche K-9 team and on their ability to successfully find avalanche victims
• LAND HRD: This standard is based upon reality and has a three-pronged approach. The team must be capable of searching a house/building where the case begins, identifying the vehicle that transported the victim and searching the wooded area where the victim was placed.
• WATER HRD: The Water Recovery Team Field Qualification Test demonstrates the ability of a water recovery canine team (handler and canine) to locate victims of drowning related incidents such that recovery resources can be employed in the area of indication with a high degree of probability that recovery of the victim will be successful based upon information provided by the canine team.
• TRAILING: The purpose of the Wilderness Trailing test is to evaluate the Handler/K-9 team's ability to correctly follow a trail and locate the missing person. The objective is to simulate a real world incident with the typical human contamination found at a search scene.

Other Programs & Benefits:

MENTORING: NSDA provides mentors, upon request, to give teams the opportunity to have someone they can call upon to offer assistance in team matters, training issues and search dilemmas. Feedback can range from talking to someone regarding difficult searches, issues of organizing a new team, helping with training programs, etc. This is also a great way to help handlers reach out to each other by building lasting bonds and friendships.

HERNANDEZ AWARD: In memory of Glen Thompson and all who lost their lives in the attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, Kai Hernandez established the Hernandez Search Dog Sponsorship. $1,000 is awarded to a handler for the purchase and training of an area or disaster K-9

CONFERENCE FEE SCHOLARSHIPS are offered to members for them to increase their K-9 knowledge and handler abilities.

DISCOUNTS: Members receive discounted NSDA tests and products; Corporate discounts such as Ruff Wear.

PODCAST OUTLINES which supply the pertinent information given during the broadcast, are provided to members only.