The entry requirements for becoming a handler vary slightly from association to association, but in general to become a trainee handler you must be proposed and supported by a Mountain Rescue Team and have been a full time member of that Mountain Rescue Team for more than 12 months. This is because during training and upon qualification you will be expected to be familiar with MR techniques, and operate in potentially severe and dangerous environments. (that normally means it would take 2 years in total, 12 months as trainee, 12 months full member). The MR Team trains you in these techniques, SARDA covers the actual dog training.

Ideally a handler would not get his dog for training until he actually starts training with SARDA, it is much better to start off on the right foot with your new dog training with SARDA than it is to set off doing one thing on your own and then try to change it later.

This may sound like a really restrictive requirements, but peoples lives depend the provision of a demonstrably high quality service, and it really is all worth it in the end.


If you are interested in becoming a search dog handler why not visit the association website closest to you and make an enquiry.