National Disaster Search Dog Foundation
Our Mission
Founded in 1996, the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) strengthens disaster response in America by rescuing dogs and partnering them with first responders to save lives. We are dedicated to transforming rescued dogs into professional search-and-rescue partners.
Our Roots
SDF was born from a clear national need for more canine disaster search teams, a gap identified by our founder, Wilma Melville, following the Oklahoma City bombing. Today, we continue to fulfill that vision by providing professionally trained, life-saving search teams to fire departments across the nation at no cost.
Our Unique Approach
We recruit high-energy, driven dogs from shelters and rescue groups that are often unsuitable for traditional family life but possess the tenacity to excel in disaster search. At our National Training Center in Santa Paula, California, these dogs receive professional training before being expertly matched with first-responder handlers, ensuring each dog finds the purpose they crave.
A Promise of Lifetime Care
We believe every dog deserves a successful and fulfilling life, whether in disaster search, specialized detection, or as an active companion. We make a Lifetime Care Commitment to every dog that enters our program, promising that they will never need to be rescued again. We carefully evaluate each dog’s personality and drive to find the perfect home or career path that celebrates their individual spirit.
Join Our Mission
Are you ready to welcome a loyal, driven companion into your home? Explore our available dogs to see if your family is the right match for one of these extraordinary animals, or reach out to us to learn more about the rewarding journey of adoption. We look forward to helping you find your new best friend.
9/16 - If you ever need proof of the sheer brilliance of shelter dogs, look no further than some of our latest disaster search graduates! 🐾⚡ It takes immense talent to transform from a shelter pup into a certified canine disaster responder, but high drive rescued dogs possess a unique resilience, heart, and determination that make them absolutely perfect for the job. They take the second chance they were given and turn it into a lifetime of protecting others. When a former shelter dog walks onto a collapsed structure, navigates the chaos, and successfully locates a survivor, that is the ultimate proof of how incredible these dogs truly are. We don't know when or where the next disaster will hit, but we do know that right now there are extraordinary shelter dogs waiting to be discovered, and first responders waiting for their perfect canine partners. By supporting SDF, you are celebrating the untapped potential of rescued dogs and ensuring they have the chance to show the world what they can do. There are scores of shelter dogs out there, ready to prove they are 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. Will you help get them there? Donate today! #meantformore #rachaelrayrescuebrigade #therachaelrayfoundation 📷 Search Dog Bo, recruited from Taney County Animal Shelter & Rebekah Drews (@LACountyFD, @LACountySearchDogs - California Task Force 2) Search Dog Checkers, recruited from @BC.AnimalServices @BCASFriendsOf & Andrea Geddes (Los Angeles County Fire, California Task Force 2) Search Dog Dingo, recruited from @StocktonAnimalShelter & Joe Zakar (@SanDiegoFireDept, California Task Force 8) Search Dog Leon, recruited from @TriCityAnimals & Lee Culley (@UTTF1 @UtahTaskForceK9s) Search Dog Ziggy, recruited from @HumaneRescue & Corey Teng (San Diego Fire Rescue, California Task Force 8)
Watch on InstagramThis organization doesn't currently have any pets listed with us. Check back soon.