Welcome to Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado
Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado (SARDOC): Colorado’s Trusted Search Dog Certification Agency Since 1983
Founded in 1983, SARDOC was created to meet the growing demand for highly skilled search dog teams dedicated to locating missing individuals. As the oldest search dog certification agency in Colorado, we pride ourselves on upholding some of the highest standards in the nation, certifying dogs in Air Scent, Trailing, Water Search, Avalanche, and Human Remains Detection. What sets us apart is our incredible team of dedicated volunteer handlers—each committed to saving lives—who offer their services free of charge. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue our mission.
At SARDOC, we believe in diversity! We welcome all dogs with the right qualities to become certified SAR teams, from Labs and Border Collies to Shepherds and mutts. If you and your dog have the drive and determination, you can become part of our life-saving team!
We also love to engage with the community—SARDOC members and their canine partners regularly offer free demonstrations for schools and organizations, sharing the vital work we do.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact us today!
Our Working Search Dogs
Our search dogs are more than just skilled canines—they are lifesavers, dedicated to finding the missing and bringing closure to families in need. Each dog is specially trained in disciplines such as tracking, air scent, avalanche search, water recovery, and human remains detection, playing a vital role in a wide range of rescue operations. From navigating dangerous terrain to working in challenging conditions, these dogs display incredible focus, determination, and teamwork alongside their handlers. As you view the slideshow, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication these dogs bring to every mission. Their unwavering commitment makes a difference in countless lives.
Specialized K9 Resources Available
Specialized Skills for Every Search
Search and rescue missions can take many forms, and our highly trained search dogs are prepared for them all. Whether following a trail through dense forests, detecting human scent carried by the wind, searching for individuals buried under snow, or locating remains in water or on land, our dogs play an essential role in bringing closure and saving lives. Each dog is trained in specific disciplines to maximize their effectiveness. Their unique skills allow them to assist law enforcement, emergency responders, and search teams in a wide range of challenging environments. The following sections highlight the different disciplines our search dogs specialize in and how they make a difference in life-saving missions.
Air Scent/Area Search Dogs
Air Scent Search Dogs are highly trained to detect and follow airborne human scent, making them invaluable in locating missing persons in a variety of environments. Unlike tracking dogs that follow a specific trail, air scent dogs work off-leash, covering large areas efficiently by detecting scent carried by the wind. These dogs can search day or night, in rugged terrain, dense forests, or open fields, making them an essential resource in time-sensitive rescue operations. Our team deploys air scent dogs to assist law enforcement and emergency responders, using their incredible noses to locate lost hikers, missing children, or individuals in distress, ultimately helping bring them to safety.
Trailing Dogs
Trailing dogs are specially trained to follow the unique scent of a specific individual, making them a critical resource in search and rescue operations. Using a scent article, such as clothing or personal belongings, these dogs can track a person’s path over various terrains, including urban areas, forests, and waterways. Unlike air scent dogs, trailing dogs work on-leash, methodically following the trail left behind by skin cells and scent particles. Our team utilizes these highly skilled canines to assist law enforcement in locating missing persons, vulnerable individuals, and even suspects, providing invaluable support in time-sensitive searches.
HRD:
Human Remains Detection Dogs
Human Remains Detection (HRD) Dogs are expertly trained to locate deceased individuals, providing essential support in search and recovery efforts. These highly skilled canines can detect the scent of human decomposition in a variety of environments, including wilderness areas, urban settings, disaster sites, and even underwater. Whether working alongside law enforcement in criminal investigations or assisting in the search for missing persons, HRD dogs play a crucial role in bringing closure to families and aiding in forensic investigations. Their ability to locate remains, even those buried or concealed, makes them invaluable assets in the field of search and recovery.
HRD:
Water Recovery Dogs
Locating the Lost Beneath the Surface
Water Recovery Dogs are specially trained to detect the scent of human remains beneath the water’s surface, making them a vital asset in search and recovery operations. These highly skilled canines work from boats or shorelines, using their powerful noses to pick up scent rising through the water. Their ability to pinpoint areas of interest allows divers and recovery teams to focus their efforts efficiently, reducing search time in lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Our organization partners with law enforcement and emergency responders to deploy Water Recovery Dogs in drowning cases and evidence searches, providing closure to families and critical assistance in investigations.
Avalanche Search Dogs
Lifesaving Precision in the Snow
Avalanche Search Dogs are specially trained to locate people buried beneath snow, providing a critical resource in time-sensitive rescue operations. Using their incredible sense of smell, these highly skilled canines can detect human scent through deep snow, rapidly pinpointing the location of an avalanche victim. Working off-leash, they cover large areas far more quickly than human searchers, significantly increasing the chances of survival. Our team deploys Avalanche Search Dogs to assist law enforcement, ski patrols, and rescue teams in mountainous and winter environments, ensuring a swift and effective response when every second counts.
Versatile Skills: Beyond the Search
In addition to their specialized search disciplines, our search dogs are trained in a variety of essential skills that enhance their effectiveness in the field. They are capable of searching buildings for missing persons, navigating disaster sites, and detecting human scent in fire remains to assist in investigations. These highly skilled canines are also trained for helicopter transport, allowing them to quickly reach remote or inaccessible locations. In hazardous terrain, they can be safely transported in harnesses across dangerous areas, including steep cliffs and rugged landscapes. Beyond search operations, our dogs play a key role in public education, engaging with communities to raise awareness about search and rescue efforts and safety preparedness. Their adaptability, training, and unwavering dedication make them invaluable assets in both emergency response and community outreach.
