What are the “official” training requirements for a disaster search dog and its handler?
Formal training requirements for dog handlers in Washington State are defined in part by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 118-04-120), which defines specific training requirements for Search and Rescue volunteers. Training required under the WAC includes the following: Training Type Frequency of Required Refresher Training First Aid & CPR Every 1-3 years (depending on type of training) Blood Borne Pathogens Annual Helicopter Safety Every 2 years Search & Rescue Techniques Every 3 years Search & Rescue Survival Skills Every 3 years Crime Scene Awareness Every 3 years Map & Compass Navigation Skills Every 3 years The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), formerly FEMA, sets the standards for certification of Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) canine teams. These standards define the specific testing criteria that each dog and handler team must pass to become certified as a member of a DHS USAR search team. These standards, together with other useful information about training and the D
