Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help find my lost person?

Search Dog Network works as a supporting part of emergency service agencies.  We respond to requests from emergency service agencies whenever possible.  In the event that someone is lost please follow the guidelines listed on the main page.

 Do you charge for your services?

NO!  All of Search Dog Network’s services are free of charge.  Each member pays for their own equipment, training, gas and take time off work (Yes, we all have regular jobs!) to provide our services.   

 Who trains your dogs?

Each handler trains his/her own dog.  Other members will provide support and guidance in this process, but the handler is ultimately responsible for training his/her dog. 

 Do you get paid?

We are all volunteers.  None of us are paid to work with Search Dog Network.

 Who pays for your training and supplies?

Each individual pays for his/her own training.  Each person also provides equipment for their dog and most of the equipment for themselves.  Participating in search and rescue is not cheap.  Each member of Search Dog Network not only volunteers their time, they spend a lot of their own money.  Search Dog Network owns big equipment like radios, boats, etc. 

How Can I help?

Donations are always welcome!  We are a 501(c)3 organization, so your donations are tax deductible.  Your money will be spent on expensive equipment, team insurance, and general operating costs.   If you would like to donate you can email us or send a check to Search Dog Network, P.O. Box 6196, Bryan, Texas 77805.

We are always looking for new areas to train our dogs.  If you have land (preferably undeveloped), large buildings, rubble piles, junkyards, etc. in the Bryan/College Station area, that you would be willing to let us use for training, we would love to hear from you! 

Search Dog Network is always looking for new volunteers!  We are looking for members with and without dogs.  If you are interested in learning more about search and rescue and/or team membership consider coming out and observing one of our training sessions!

Can I come and see one of your training sessions?

Yes! Observers are welcome any time.  Just check our calendar for our training dates on the Current Events page.  Please contact us and let us know you want to attend in advance.  That way if there are any changes we can make sure you know about them.  This also lets us know to look for you and make sure you are ready for our wilderness training!  Here's some information about attending our training.

Can I be a member if I don’t have a dog?

YES! Search Dog Network is always looking for all kinds of volunteers.  We need people to help navigate in the wilderness, handle communications, help with logistics at base, help with fund raising, etc.  If you are interested in volunteering with Search Dog Network email us (info email). 

Can I donate my dog?

Our handlers all own their dogs.  They are members of our family.  We do not have any team owned dogs so it's a rare event that we would be able to accept a dog.

I have a search dog and will be visiting your area.  Can we train with you while we are there? 

Yes, but this is by appointment only.  You need to email us well in advance of your visit so that we can make sure it’s appropriate for you to bring your dog.