National Disaster Search Dog Foundation
Non-profit OrganizationsCalifornia, United States11-50 Employees
The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a California-based nonprofit organization established in 1996 that collaborates with firefighters and other first responders to locate people buried in disaster wreckage using rescued dogs paired with trained handlers. Its program provides professionally trained canines and ongoing training at no cost to fire departments, while also ensuring lifetime care for each dog once rescued, so the animals do not require rescue again. The organization operates a network of SDF-trained Search Teams across multiple states, enabling regional and national mutual aid to enhance disaster response. With a focus on strengthening search-and-rescue capabilities, SDF coordinates partnerships and training to support emergency responders in locating survivors during disasters.