Become a Volunteer

 We offer a diverse range of volunteer positions that cater to various skill levels and interests, ensuring that there is a role for everyone. Whether you have prior experience in search and rescue operations, are a seasoned professional in a related field, or are simply passionate about helping others, we have a place for you. Most of our training is conducted in-house, allowing volunteers to learn and grow within our supportive environment. Additionally, we frequently invite external trainers who are experts in their fields to provide specialized instruction in a wide array of skills, enhancing the training experience for all volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a part of K9 Search and Rescue Services of West Virginia Inc., we encourage you to reach out to us for more information about the volunteer application process. Our team is eager to provide you with the details you need to get started on this fulfilling journey. It is important to highlight that having a canine companion is not a prerequisite for joining our organization. We have numerous roles available that do not require a dog, allowing individuals who may not have a canine partner to still contribute significantly to our mission. Whether you are interested in logistics, administration, support roles, or other areas, your skills and dedication can make a difference in our efforts to assist those in need. We also offer positions for individuals with physical limitations. Join us in our mission to save lives and support our community through the invaluable work of search and rescue.

Our organization is committed to ongoing training. This encompasses not only canine disciplines but also classroom instruction and various skills that necessitate field training. Our volunteers dedicate thousands of hours each year to ensure we possess the expertise required to locate missing persons and, if necessary, to rescue them. Each volunteer must complete a series of classes before they can operate in the field. However, the training does not conclude upon completion of this checklist. We mandate that these skills be taught and refreshed on an annual basis. Additionally, our volunteers are encouraged to participate in seminars outside of our organization. These seminars and classes often entail significant costs, and many require travel over considerable distances and extended stays. The skills acquired are vital, and we approach them with the utmost seriousness. Below is a list of the mandatory classes required for field operation. If you find this opportunity appealing, please reach out to us. 




Junior Volunteers Program

Do you have a child or young adult aged 11 to 17 who is interested in Search and Rescue? In September 2020, we established our Junior Volunteer Group, which provides an opportunity for young individuals to engage in SAR activities. The Junior Volunteer Program offers comprehensive exposure to various aspects of Search and Rescue, encompassing both classroom instruction and practical field exercises. Participants will learn about Search and Rescue Operations, Incident Command, Land Navigation, Map and Compass skills, Orienteering, Radio Communications, Equipment and Survival techniques, First Aid, Clue Awareness, Ropes and Knots, Scent Theory, and the training and handling of SAR K9s. If your child or young adult wishes to explore the world of search and rescue volunteering and its associated activities, please reach out to us for further information and a schedule of our training sessions and locations. All inquiries can be directed to k9sarserviceswv@gmail.com.