Frequently Asked Questions About Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs       

Q. Who is Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs (GARD)  

GARD is a specialized volunteer search and rescue resource, composed of teams of search dogs and their handlers, and base support personnel.

Q. What does GARD do?

GARD provides specially-trained dogs to search for people who are lost in wilderness and disaster situations, in all weather conditions. We search for lost children, Alzheimer’s patients, overdue hunters and hikers, and other victims of natural and man-made disasters.

Q. What kind of training do GARD handlers have?

GARD members have the same training in Search and Rescue (SAR) that all certified searchers in Virginia have, Field Team Member, plus additional specialized training for search dog handling. Several of our members have higher levels of SAR training, such as Field Team Leader certification. In addition, GARD members have at least basic first aid and CPR; some have Emergency Medical Technician training as well.

Q. What about training for the dogs?

GARD members and their dogs are required to have additional training beyond that of typical Search and Rescue personnel, including behavior, obedience, agility, search skills, alert, and indication. In addition, the handler must pass a written exam, and dog and handler must pass a rigorous field evaluation in both day and night operations.

Q. How long does this training and evaluation process take?

The process for the dog and handler typically takes one to one and a half years, sometimes longer, to complete the whole process.

Q. How much does this training cost?

While some of the basic search and rescue training is provided at little or no cost, specialized dog training and travel can run several hundred dollars or more, all of which is paid by the handler.

Q. How frequently do GARD handlers train their dogs?

Team members typically work with their dogs daily, to reinforce the training. Team members also train together weekly, usually on Saturday or Sunday. Quarterly simulated search events are held, often involving other search and rescue teams. Other specialized training can last for a week or more, and require out of town travel.

Q. What breed of dog do GARD members use?

GARD members pick their own dog, and a variety of breeds are used by team members; most are working breeds, due to the strenuous activity level.

Q. How do the dogs find the people?

GARD members use air-scent dogs that are trained to find any human in a specific search area. They work off the microscopic particles that are released from the body, and are carried in the air and by the wind.

Q. Do the dogs track criminals?

GARD members do not respond to known criminal searches that may present a threat to the dog or handler.

Q. Where does GARD go for searches?

GARD team members can be requested to go anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia or adjacent states.

Q. How can I help GARD?

GARD has team equipment it needs to purchase and maintain. GARD is a not-for-profit corporation, with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Cash contributions are always welcome.

Q. What if I have more questions?

Just contact any GARD team member, and they will be glad to answer your questions.

President of GARD :    PAW@widomaker.com

Your Help is Needed!

Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs team members are responsible for all of their individual supplies and equipment, including all veterinarian and other costs incurred for their dog. Can’t you please assist us with the team equipment and supplies by make a tax-deductible cash contribution?

Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs is a Virginia not-for-profit corporation, and has IRS 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs, Inc., are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.