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member of the American Rescue Dog Association
 
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

To become an active member, you are required to fill out an application and submit a $60 application fee. Once your application has been submitted, you are considered an applicant. You will remain in this status for a six month probationary period. During this probationary period you are expected to attend at least 50% of the group's training sessions - you are not eligible to vote or be deployed on any search and rescue missions. At the end of the six month probationary period, your request for active membership will be voted on by the active members of the group. You must be voted in to the group by a two thirds majority to become an active member.

If you are interested in becoming an active member we suggest that you attend a few training sessions. Volunteer opportunities for active members are listed below. VSRDA holds organized training sessions every Sunday except for the first Sunday of each month. These training sessions are held in various locations and typically last from 8:00 am to approximately 3:00 pm. To find out dates and locations please contact us. You can reach us via email or by phone at at 888-775-8871.

  1. Dog Handler - As a volunteer dog handler, VSRDA will provide you with the necessary skills to prepare both yourself and your canine to pass the rigorous series of tests necessary to become an operational dog handler within the unit. As a handler you will learn land navigation techniques, radio communications, advanced first aid, scent theory, search strategies, and the necessary skills to train your canine to locate missing persons and excel in both advanced obedience and agility.

    Once you and your canine have passed the series of tests for wilderness certification, training is also provided for both you and your canine to specialize in disaster, cadaver, and drowning search and rescue disciplines.

  2. Support Personnel - As support personnel your assistance can be utilized in a variety of areas. For example, training is provided for members to learn base camp operations and/or the necessary skills to act as an escort to a dog/handler team. If you choose to volunteer in either of these capacities, VSRDA will provide you with the necessary training to master land navigation techniques, radio communications, advanced first aid, scent theory and search strategies.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

To become an associate member, you are required to fill out an application and submit a $10 application fee. Once your application has been submitted, you are considered an associate member. As an associate member you are not required to meet the minimum training requirements and you do not have the ability to vote. Associate members typically aid the group in administrative and fundraising tasks. To learn more about associate membership please contact us. You can reach us via email or by phone at at 888-775-8871.

 
       
 

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