A: See also: What Does an NSDA test cost?

A: Certifications are good for 2-years for active members.

A: If a Candidate fails a field test, they are eligible for a retest in the same discipline with the same dog within a year of the original test under the same testing fee. Recertification is for already NSDA certified teams who are being reevaluated in their discipline to renew their certification.

A: You can find out about becoming an Evaluator by clicking on the "Get Involved" tab on the website's home page, then the "Become an Evaluator" page. Members can find the Apprentice Evaluator application form by logging in, going to the "Evaluators" tab, and then clicking on the "Become an Evaluator" page.

A: All of our Principal Evaluators are volunteers who do not receive any compensation for their time. Candidates and teams requesting a test are responsible for reimbursing Evaluators for their direct travel costs, if any. Depending on the number of handlers and tests, financial assistance is available from NSDA. See also – Does NSDA offer any financial aid for tests?

A: Send an email to the Board of Directors at secretary@n-sda.org.

A: We currently offer three tiers of membership: Individual Membership: $45/year Team Membership: $300/year for up to/per 15 members Lifetime Membership: $500

A: A Team membership is $300 for up to/per 15 people. If you have, for example, twelve handlers on your team, a Team Membership would offer a discounted rate of $25 for each person compared to Individual Memberships of $45/each.

A: We welcome K-9 handlers and teams from the United States and Canada.

A: NSDA does not publish names or personal information about our members. An exception are active NSDA certified teams who have given their permission to be listed on the "Resource List" on the website.

A: Yes. All members are enrolled in automatic renewal on the anniversary of their subscription date. You will receive a reminder email 30-days before your expiration date to check that your credit card information is up to date or if you need to make changes to your subscription. Questions about your membership can be submitted using the "Contact Us" form or emailed to contactus@n-sda.org.

A: Use the "Contact Us" form or send an email to contactus@n-sda.org.

A: Per NSDA policy, current certifications are only valid for members who maintain active status and you will be removed from the "Resource List".

A: Absolutely! NSDA is a non-profit under Section 501(c)(3). From the website home page, scroll down to "NSDA Donations".

A: Yes. Copies may be obtained from the IRS at IRS.gov or through Guidestar.org.

A: Yes. On the NSDA website home page, click on the "About Us" tab.

A: Yes. On the homepage of the NSDA website, click on the "About Us" tab, then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the "Privacy Policy" link.

A: Unfortunately, no. NSDA is not able to assist with rehoming or placing dogs.

A: Unfortunately, no. NSDA only certifies dogs that search for people.

A: Contact your local law enforcement agency. They will have the information for search and rescue teams in your area. NSDA is not a deploying agency or organization.

A: No. NSDA is not a deploying agency and does not deploy dogs. We do provide a list of NSDA certified teams on our "Resource List" which can be accessed from the home page of the NSDA website.

A: NSDA does not condone nor support using an uncertified or untrained dog for searching. Search dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks and certification is used to demonstrate that a team has the necessary skills to do the job that is being asked of them. Uncertified/untrained dogs could pass by a missing subject and mislead search management into thinking the area has been cleared, potentially putting lives at risk.

A: Yes. The majority of search and rescue K-9 handlers are volunteers with their local SAR agency / organization that own, train, and handle their own dogs.

A: It depends on several factors including the dog's age, temperament, drive, and the training methods used. But in general, it can take up to a year or more for a dog to become a certified and reliable search dog.

A: NSDA does not train dogs, but we do host periodic regional training seminars where you and your dog can come and learn from experienced and respected instructors. See also – Training and Seminars.

A: Refer to our suggested reading list under the "Education" tab.

A: Reach out and join a Search and Rescue organization or agency in your local area. The majority of SAR deployments are under the jurisdiction of a local agency, like a County Sheriff or local Fire Department, who call upon their locally trained volunteers when there is a need.

A: The very best way to get involved is to join a local Search and Rescue K-9 organization. They can provide you with information and mentoring as you look to start your journey. Many groups welcome new prospective handlers to come work with them before they get their first dog or can help evaluate a dog that you already have, and that way you can take the time to learn about the traits that make a good search dog.

A: One of the required prerequisites for field testing is a Letter of Reference from a deploying agency/organization or SAR Coordinator. The Letter needs to state that you are a member in good standing, recommend you for an evaluation, and be dated from within one-year of the scheduled field test. It also needs to include the contact information for the person who wrote the letter. All letters expire one year after signing. A reference from someone who is not directly associated with a deploying agency/organization will not be accepted.

A: Due to conflicts and potential liability of cross-trained dogs being deployed in criminal cases, NSDA policy excludes dogs that have been trained to detect non-human odors from seeking certification in Land Human Remains Detection. Failure to adhere to this Policy will result in the nullification of NSDA certifications.

A: Unfortunately, no. The required Temperament Evaluation must be from a formally recognized organization that has published evaluation criteria. Currently acceptable evaluations from the following organizations include: AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC obedience title, Canadian Canine Good Neighbor, Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Therapy Dog International, Pet Partners, FEMA Foundational Skills Assessment, International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation, Schutzhund title, or other nationally or internationally recognized obedience title.

A: On the home page of the NSDA website, you can see a list of the next couple of upcoming evaluations. Members of NSDA can see the complete list of all scheduled evaluations by logging in, going to the "Get Certified" tab, then clicking on the "Find a Test" link.

A: Instead of certification clinics, members of NSDA work directly with one of our Principal Evaluators to schedule a testing location and date that works best for the both of them, either by the Candidate traveling to the Evaluator or the Evaluator traveling to the Candidate. The list of Principal Evaluators, their disciplines, and their location can be found on the home page of the website under the "Resources" tab, then clicking on "Principal Evaluators". See also – Can my dog and I get tested at the seminar?

A: Yes. See also – What kinds of memberships do you offer?

A: The one-time online written tests are $5 each and a field test is $50 per team (handler and canine).

A: No. The online written tests are one-time only.

A: Yes. Members can find basic outlines for the online written tests by logging in and going to the "Education and References" tab, then clicking on the "Study Guides" page.

A: Many of our Principal Evaluators are happy to travel to you. The requesting team is responsible for reimbursing the Evaluator for their direct travel costs up to the published per diem rates. Members can find more information about requesting a Regional Test by logging in and going to the "Host and Event" tab, then "Grants and Reimbursements" page. See also – Does NSDA offer any financial aid for tests?

A: Yes. We offer grants for small groups (3-9 handlers) and regional events (10 or more tests with 6 or more handlers) to help with Evaluator travel costs. Unfortunately, individuals (1-2 handlers) are not eligible for financial assistance.

A: Members can find information about hosting an event by logging in and going to the "Host an Event" tab.

A: Send an email to testing@n-sda.org.

A: Seminars are announced on both our Facebook page and on the homepage of the website. When registration opens, the link to the application form will be available on the website. If you are approved to attend, you will then be sent an invoice for payment.

A: Absolutely!

A: Generally an evaluation event will be scheduled in conjunction with the seminar, to be held in the days just prior, and depending on the number of testing requests and Evaluator availability.

A: Send an email to seminars@n-sda.org.