King County Search Dogs

Griz
Griz celebrates a trail well run

King County Search Dogs incorporated as a non-profit Washington corporation in 1996. The unit provides canine search services within King County at no cost to the county. All handlers are volunteers who provide their own dogs and train several times a month. They pay all related expenses for feeding, veterinary care, travel, and purchase of needed equipment.

Each team trains in a primary area, either air scent search (to locate any human in a specific area) or tracking/trailing (following the path of a specific individual). They must pass a proficiency evaluation prior to participating in searches. Teams also train in specialty search areas i.e. evidence search, water search, disaster search, or avalanche search. In addition to training the dog, handlers are required to attend classes in first aid, land navigation, wilderness survival, search strategy, and many other related subjects.

Teams are available 24 hours a day. Dispatch is provided by the King County Sheriff's Office and handers are notified by pager.

Team members must live in King, Pierce, or Snohomish Counties.

If you would like further information, please contact the KCSD Membership Committee Chair by clicking here.