Canines at Home in the Ruins

How many times has a family stared in slack-jawed wonder as the adorable new family dog tears around and around […more…]

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation Search Dog Teams Deploy Ahead of Hurricane Milton

Sixteen canine disaster search teams trained by the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) have joined the ranks of hundreds […more…]

Search Dog Foundation Named One of the Best Nonprofits to Work For 2024

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is thrilled to announce it was recently selected as one of the 2024 Best […more…]

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation Puts First Responder Boots – and Paws – on the Ground

In the wake of Maui’s tragic 2023 wildfires, relief organizations and the goodwill of the world at large poured into […more…]

From the Tragedy of the Oklahoma City Bombing Was Born a Human-Canine Bond That Relentlessly Saves Lives

When two children got lost during a hike in rural New York with oncoming rain commingling with the darkening night, […more…]

Search Dog Foundation: Finding Diamonds in the Ruff

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation has had tremendous success in rescuing rambunctious shelter dogs and turning them into highly-trained rescue […more…]

From Rescued to Rescuer

When the debris flow hit Montecito on January 9, 2018, Riley was ready.  Having been deployed to the tsunami in […more…]

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

Donate now!

SearchDogFoundation.org
(805) 646-1015
Chief Executive Officer: Rhett Mauck

Mission

Our mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by rescuing and recruiting dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters.

Begin to Build a Relationship

We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s Director of Development and/or Executive Director.

Watching the Search Dog Foundation grow from a small group of ardent volunteers into the nationally recognized organization it is today has been an inspiration and an honor.
As a longtime philanthropist and volunteer for many organizations through the years, the sense of passion and perseverance and collective drive toward reaching a goal is one of the hallmarks of a great group of people united for a cause. The Search Dog Foundation’s staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and many supporters across the country have an insatiable need to keep growing and improving their work and the services provided.
As a team, we know we will continue to strengthen disaster response in this country. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of so many – both human and canine.
George Leis, Chair, Board of Directors, National Disaster Search Dog Foundation; President & Chief Operating Officer, Montecito Bank & Trust

Sponsor the Canine Heroes

The frequency and strength of recent disasters are stark reminders that they can strike at the heart of any community. In the search for victims, a search dog’s remarkable nose and hard-earned skills mean the difference between days versus minutes, lost versus found, uncertainty versus hope. The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) works diligently to ensure canine search teams across America can deploy at a moment’s notice when needed, which includes preparing the next generation of canine heroes.

From the day they arrive on campus to the day they are paired with first responders, SDF spends approximately $60,000 to train a search dog over 10 to 12 months. 

SDF is raising $900,000 to train the next search dog graduates. Donors at $20,000 and above can become sponsors of a search dog in training, receiving updates on their progress and milestones throughout their career. Sponsor one or even a pack of canine heroes to be Part of the Search! 

Board of Directors

George Leis – Board Chair
President and COO,
Montecito Bank & Trust
Richard Butt – Board Vice Chair
Retired EVP, Executive Creative
Director, VMLY&R
Mike J. Diani – Secretary
President, Diani Building Corp.
Christine DeVries
Management Consultant
Robert Harris, Battalion Chief,
Los Angeles County Fire Dept.
Rhett Mauck, CEO, National
Disaster Search Dog Foundation
Sydne Rennie, Attorney,
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Deborah Whiteley,
Communications Consultant
Crystal Wyatt, Leadership in
Board Governance and Creative
& Sustainable Philanthropy