If you are interested in joining K-9 alert, you should first learn more about what we do, this will help you understand the services we provide, and how we help in times of crisis for the people of the Virginia. We're always interested in new members. If you have no experience or are an experienced handler, this page should help you understand what's expected to become a member of our volunteer organization. We also need part time volunteers to help us with training scenarios.
All potential members go through the same application process regardless of background or experience.
Your journey to membership begins with attending one of our team training sessions. We'll assign you to walk with one of our team members and their dog in a training session. Be prepared to spend time outdoors and having fun playing the ultimate game of "hide and go seek". You'll also get a chance to work with our HRD teams and see how they work. At your first session you'll spend about half a day working with an experienced handler and learn how a K-9 team works to support a search and rescue mission. You'll meet the team at our morning briefing and spend the day getting to see what we do and if it's right for you. Don't worry, it's a lot of fun!
Contact us to learn when our next available training session is that you can attend. We train at a variety of sites, and our training sessions are no more than an hour and a half from Richmond, Virginia.
Water - Enough to last you through the day.
Weather Appropriate Clothing - You should dress as though you will be spending a day outside (No cotton!). Long sleeve shirts and pants are recommended for protection. We train in all weather in all seasons. Be sure to check the forecast! If the weather calls for rain, plan appropriately. You'll be hiking off trail so you'll want good durable boots and socks, you may even want to bring an extra pair of socks. Bring durable gloves and eye protection.
A pack - You'll want something to put your water, extra clothing, cellphone, and snacks in. A regular backpack will do fine.
Food - Definitely bring enough to eat for potentially one or two meals. You may want to pack a cooler. You may also want to bring some snacks to keep your energy up.
Personal Comfort Items - You may want to bring sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, sunglasses, bandanna, etc. You should prepare as though you will be going on a light to medium intensity hike. Don't bring trekking poles!
An emergency contact we can reach - Just in case an accident happens.
Prospective members need to attend at least 6 training sessions (including one night training). After the required amount of training attendance, you'll be eligible to apply for membership.
Criminal Background Check
Completed Application
Personal Interview from current team members
Records of your dogs vaccinations
A K-9 assessment test
After the above has been fulfilled, the group will vote on your application. Pending the group vote, you'll be an approved team member, and there will be additional requirements before you can respond to a mission.
Our team offers several forms of membership. Prospective member can join even without a dog.
K-9 handlers are our primary form of membership. K-9 Handlers must pass the VASARCO required standards for their respective specialties. K-9 handlers must have the following requirements before becoming Call Out Qualified (if not already qualified).
Criminal Background Check
Personal Interview from current team members
Associate Members work with K-9 Handlers on missions and tasks. Supporting the K-9 handler, they provide critical support for navigation, observation, clue finding, communications, and other capacities. Associate Members must meet all the team requirements and VASARCO standards to become VDEM certified as STM and STL within 2 years. This role does not require you to have a dog.
All team members must complete the following training to become call out qualified (COQ). Once Call Out Qualified you'll be eligible to respond to missions.
Current CPR / First Aid Certification
VA Blood Borne Pathogen Awareness
FEMA NIMS courses - 100a , 200a, 700a, and 809
Navigation test - Practical test and map-reading knowledge test.
VA SAR Academy - A twice yearly free training session spanning two non-consecutive weekends. Here you'll learn all of the standards required for any search team member. Members need to complete Search Team Member (STM) and Search Team Leader (STL) (STM is a pre-requisite).
All team members must complete the following trainings to become call out qualified (COQ). Once you're call out qualified you'll be eligible to respond to missions with a K-9 member.
You'll be expected to carry the essentials (as outlined in the VA SAR Academy training). You'll also have to follow the protocols and response standards as outline in our by-laws. You'll also be responsible for providing your own uniform as outlined in our team standards.
We will provide essential equipment to new members at no cost.
