Search Dogs Training For Rescues

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KSBW Channel

Monterey County's new search and rescue dogs are getting the training they need to respond to emergencies.

Six dogs have been training in Gilroy with Central Coast firefighters, and officials said once the training is complete, the dogs will be able to respond to disasters all over the country.

The dogs and firefighters are learning to perform rescues during earthquakes, floods, mudslides and other disasters.


Fire agencies in Seaside, Salinas and Carmel Valley received the special dogs, which were donated by the National Search Dog Foundation.

"Disasters will always be with us in one form or another. The idea is let's not ever leave anyone behind," said Wilma Melville of the National Search Dog Foundation.

"Firefighters are a perfect fit for this type of work. Once they're FEMA certified, they'll be able to go anywhere in the U.S. or the world," said Scott Tyler of the Salinas Fire Department.

The dogs were recruited from shelters all over the country. Before teaming up with firefighters, they went through months of training at a Gilroy kennel.

Search and rescue teams typically train for a year before taking the test to become FEMA certified.

Search dogs' careers last about 10 years and they will stay with their handlers even after they retire.